2027: APM Demands Probe Into Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has demanded a full investigation into the obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy during his recent visit to Benue State, saying the incident raises serious concerns about political tolerance and the safety of opposition figures as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general election.

The party said the reported blockade should not be dismissed as an isolated episode, arguing that any attempt to prevent a presidential candidate from freely visiting citizens, particularly during a humanitarian engagement, deserves an impartial inquiry and public accountability.

The controversy began when Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), travelled from Abuja to Benue to visit families affected by the Yelwata massacre, one of Nigeria’s deadliest recent attacks on civilians. His convoy was stopped along the Gyado Villa axis of Gboko Road by a group of youths, forcing him to abandon the trip before reaching the community. Obi later alleged that the men were hired thugs, an accusation that has not been independently verified.

The Benue State Government has rejected any suggestion that it was involved in the incident. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration said it had not been informed of Obi’s visit, insisting that proper notification would have enabled security agencies to coordinate the movement of a high-profile political figure. Officials also denied claims that the youths acted on behalf of the government.

That account has been disputed by the NDC. The party’s Benue governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, maintained that Obi’s team formally notified both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) before the visit and said security personnel had been deployed to accompany the convoy. The conflicting narratives have left unresolved questions over whether there was a breakdown in communication between security agencies and state authorities.

Reacting to the development, APM said only an independent investigation can establish the identities of those who blocked the convoy and determine whether the incident resulted from spontaneous action, security lapses or organized political intimidation. The party urged law enforcement agencies to publish their findings and ensure that those responsible, if identified, are held accountable.

The Yelwata killings had already become a defining security tragedy, drawing widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities in Benue State. Obi’s failed visit has now shifted national attention from the massacre itself to broader concerns about democratic rights, freedom of movement and the treatment of opposition leaders during politically sensitive periods.

With political alignments already taking shape ahead of 2027, the Benue incident is increasingly being viewed as more than a local dispute. It has become an early test of Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that electoral competition is conducted in an atmosphere where political actors can campaign, travel and engage with citizens without intimidation, a standard that many observers believe will be crucial to the credibility of the next general election.