African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has alleged that the Benue State Government was behind the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy during the former Anambra State governor’s visit to the state on Tuesday.
Sowore claimed that the incident, in which a crowd reportedly stopped Obi and his delegation from proceeding while chanting for him to leave, was deliberately organised to prevent the former presidential candidate from entering Makurdi.
According to Sowore, the alleged presence of a special adviser to the Benue State governor among the crowd strengthened his suspicion that the incident was sponsored by the state government.
“The clearer indication that the government was involved was actually made available by Mr. Peter Obi himself, who stated clearly that one of the special advisers to the governor was seen as part of the crowd that was chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back,’” Sowore said.
“My position is that nobody should be prevented from going anywhere in Nigeria. You need not doubt that this was government-sponsored.”
Sowore further alleged that the behaviour of the crowd and security personnel at the scene indicated that the individuals involved were known to the authorities.
“I think the state governor or his people have responded as expected—they know who did it, and I’m sure they were part of the planning to prevent him from entering Makurdi, and that’s a shame,” he said.
Despite his political differences with Obi, Sowore said their disagreements were based on ideology rather than personal animosity.
He insisted that every Nigerian should be allowed to move freely and participate in political activities regardless of political affiliation.
“I don’t want any harm to come upon him, any member of his delegation, or his campaign team wherever they go in Nigeria,” Sowore said.
Sowore warns of possible political violence
Sowore warned that the incident could be an indication of increasing political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“They are just testing the waters. If this works, then nobody is safe; you will find more of these kinds of intimidation attacks, and it will quickly snowball into assassinations,” he said.
He urged Nigerians and political candidates to reject intimidation and violence, while calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
