The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, hours after leaving Benue State, where his convoy was reportedly blocked by youths.
Obi had travelled to Benue to visit families of victims of the June 2025 Yelewata massacre. However, his convoy was stopped by a group of youths at Gyado Villa along Gboko Road, preventing him from proceeding to Makurdi, the state capital.
Speaking after the incident, Obi appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intervene and ensure the safety of political leaders and their supporters.
“I’m using this occasion to appeal to the IG of Police, the Director of DSS, and other agencies to please intervene and call various state governors to order. I was a governor myself. This rascality cannot be allowed,” Obi said.
He warned that continued attacks or obstruction of political movements could worsen tensions, stressing that Nigerians should be allowed to campaign peacefully ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Obi, political campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, hunger, killings and poverty, rather than confrontation.
“We need unity, love and justice, and this campaign should be concentrated on ideas and issues that concern Nigerians today — insecurity, hunger, killings and how we are going to pull our people out of poverty,” he said.
The incident has sparked reactions from opposition figures and activists.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the incident, warning those involved against further escalation.
Similarly, Obi’s reported running mate for the 2027 presidential election, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, called on the international community to help protect opposition leaders in Nigeria.
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