# Tensions Rise in Benue Over Planned Peter Obi Visit

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/tensions-rise-in-benue-over-planned-peter-obi-visit/
- Published: 2026-11-11T01:21:03+00:00
- Author: Olamide

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has publicly accused the Benue State government
of orchestrating a plot to disrupt the scheduled visit of its presidential candidate,
Peter Obi. The visit, slated for Wednesday, includes a town hall meeting in Makurdi
and a humanitarian tribute to victims of the June 2025 Yelewata massacre.

## The Allegations

Terhemba Shija, the NDC governorship candidate in Benue, addressed the media in 
Makurdi on Tuesday, asserting that the party had formally notified both the state
government and relevant security agencies of the visit. Shija alleged that the state
government has issued threats to prevent Obi from reaching Yelewata, characterizing
the move as an attempt to stifle political opposition ahead of the 2027 general 
elections.

According to Shija, the NDC has provided a detailed itinerary to security officials
to ensure a peaceful process. He emphasized that while the party does not require
government permission to conduct political activities, they chose to provide notification
as a courtesy to maintain order. Shija stated, “The Nigerian Democratic Congress,
NDC, will not yield to any blackmail or intimidation.”

## Government Response

The Benue State government has dismissed the NDC’s claims as “false, baseless and
mischievous.” In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon
Iorpev, affirmed that the state remains committed to hospitality and that all Nigerians
are free to move within its borders.

The government further cautioned the NDC against politicizing the Yelewata tragedy.
The statement read, “No one should turn that grief into a political stage, and no
one should use a visit meant to console the bereaved as material for a publicity
campaign.” The government also issued a warning that security agencies would deal
firmly with any individuals attempting to incite disorder, regardless of their political
affiliation.

## Context of Previous Disruptions

The current dispute occurs against a backdrop of previous logistical and security
challenges faced by Obi in the state. According to reports, Obi’s efforts to visit
Benue have faced significant obstacles in the past:

 * **April 2025:** The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly halted
   a planned visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, citing security
   and protocol concerns.
 * **September 8, 2026:** Obi’s convoy was blocked on Gboko Road by individuals 
   who allegedly chanted slogans and forced the candidate to turn back. Police subsequently
   arrested 46 suspects in connection with the incident.

While the state government previously argued that those disruptions were due to 
a failure to follow proper security protocols, opposition figures have consistently
maintained that the blockades were politically motivated. Despite these incidents,
Obi has successfully conducted political activities in the state in the past, including
during his 2023 presidential campaign.

## Conclusion

As the scheduled date for the visit approaches, the situation remains tense. While
the NDC insists the visit will proceed peacefully, the state government maintains
its stance that it has no interest in obstructing visitors. The outcome of Wednesday’s
events will likely be viewed as a significant test of the political climate in Benue
as the nation moves toward the 2027 election cycle.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>**Source:** [Channels Television](https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/10/ndc-alleges-plot-to-disrupt-obis-benue-visit-govt-denies-claim/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

The Nigerian Democratic Congress has accused the Benue State government of plotting
to disrupt Peter Obi's upcoming visit and humanitarian tribute to massacre victims.

In response, the state government dismissed the allegations as false and baseless,
warning against politicizing the tragedy and inciting disorder.

This tension builds upon a history of previous disruptions and blockades of Obi's
visits to the state, which opposition figures claim are politically motivated.

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