The Benue State Government has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of breaching protocol by visiting the state without officially notifying Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Solomon Lorpev, made the claim on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday while responding to controversy surrounding the reported blockade of Obi’s convoy during his visit to Benue.
Lorpev dismissed allegations that the state government deployed people to prevent Obi from moving through the state, insisting that the government was not officially informed of the former Anambra State governor’s arrival.
“First of all, I want to lay aside the claim that the government sent people to go and stop him from coming into town; that’s because we are not even officially aware that he is coming into town,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the NDC’s governorship candidate in Benue, Terhemba Shija, had indicated that Obi deliberately chose not to notify the state government because he did not consider it necessary.
Lorpev described the decision as unusual, arguing that Obi’s status as a former governor and presidential candidate meant that the state government had a responsibility to ensure his security while in Benue.
“That’s quite strange because, for a man of his calibre, two times a governor of a state, this is the second time that he is contesting for the presidency; that kind of person becomes the responsibility of the state as far as security is concerned when he gets into the state,” he said.
The commissioner maintained that failing to notify the state government amounted to a breach of protocol because authorities would be unaware of the movements and security arrangements surrounding such a prominent visitor.
His comments came despite questions about the constitutional right to freedom of movement and the fact that the NDC reportedly notified the police about Obi’s planned visit.
Responding to the argument, Lorpev said notifying the police did not amount to notifying the state government, insisting that the police did not act on behalf of Governor Alia, whom he described as the state’s chief security officer.
He also challenged claims that government appointees were involved in blocking Obi’s convoy, asking those making the allegations to provide evidence.
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“But I want this to be clear: the government did not send anybody to stop Peter Obi from coming into Benue; we are not responsible for that, and we cannot just make statements on things we don’t know,” Lorpev said.
The commissioner added that the state government was investigating the incident and would issue a statement once the circumstances surrounding the blockade had been established.
The controversy followed reports that youths suspected to be loyalists of a political party mounted roadblocks along the two-lane Makurdi-Gboko federal highway, allegedly preventing Obi from proceeding to Yelewata.
Obi had planned to visit the community to sympathise with families affected by the deadly attacks recorded there in June 2025.
The NDC presidential candidate reportedly arrived at the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi on Tuesday morning, where he was received by Shija, other party officials and supporters amid celebrations and cultural performances.
However, shortly after leaving the airport, Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a group of angry youths who had blocked the federal highway.
The blockade reportedly brought traffic to a standstill as the road was temporarily closed to motorists.
Obi later expressed concern over the incident and cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence by political actors.
“Our experience this morning is very, very worrisome. We arrived Makurdi at 9 a.m., but on our way to the Yelewata community, to console and show solidarity with the family affected by the killings of over 270 persons in that community, and support them in any way I can, only to be blocked by thugs shouting, ‘Peter Obi go back! Peter Obi go back!’” Obi said.
The incident has generated competing narratives, with the NDC alleging that suspected hired thugs were responsible for the blockade, while the Benue State Government has denied any involvement and maintained that it was unaware of Obi’s visit.
The development has also drawn reactions from political figures, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who condemned the obstruction and called on the media to avoid partisan interpretations of political confrontations.
Keyamo argued that politicians should be allowed to move freely and campaign without intimidation, regardless of their political affiliation.
The dispute comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying efforts to build support across different states.
The conflicting accounts over Obi’s visit and the road blockade have consequently raised fresh questions about political tolerance, security responsibilities and the treatment of opposition figures during campaign-related activities.