The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for an investigation into the reported blockade of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
The party said the incident prevented Obi from reaching Yelwata community, where he had planned to meet families of victims of the June 2025 massacre that reportedly claimed more than 270 lives.
The NDC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the incident as disturbing and condemned what it called the obstruction of a humanitarian visit.
NDC: Obi’s visit was not political
Director insisted that Obi’s planned visit was humanitarian and had nothing to do with political campaigning.
He said the party remained concerned about the safety of the people of Benue and Nigerians generally, stressing that protecting human life should be a major responsibility of government.
“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” he said.
“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.”
Party demands investigation
The NDC called on the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate what happened and prosecute anyone found responsible.
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“We call on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief,” Director added.
Obi says ‘hired thugs’ blocked convoy
The controversy followed Obi’s own account that “hired thugs” stopped his convoy as he attempted to visit Yelwata.
The former Anambra State governor said the trip was purely humanitarian and was intended to allow him to meet families affected by the deadly 2025 attack.
He also pointed to his attendance at the opening of the national campaign office of another opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Abuja the previous day, saying the gesture reflected his commitment to political civility.
Benue Government says it was unaware of visit
However, the Benue State Government has disputed the circumstances surrounding the visit, saying it was not aware that Obi was coming to the state.
The development has therefore produced conflicting accounts over whether the appropriate authorities were notified ahead of the planned visit.
Police confirm knowledge of Obi’s movement
The Benue State Police Command, on its part, said it was aware of Obi’s planned movement to Yelwata and that its operatives provided security for the convoy.
However, the police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the reason the convoy was blocked was still unclear.
The conflicting accounts have now intensified calls for an independent investigation into what happened on the road to Yelwata.
For the NDC, the incident goes beyond politics, with the party insisting that Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation, should be able to show solidarity with victims of violence without obstruction.
The party said it would continue to demand answers over the incident and called on authorities to ensure the safety of political leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
