Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was blocked by suspected political thugs in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in an incident that has drawn sharp condemnation from the former Anambra State governor. Obi, who was in the state to commiserate with communities affected by recent killings, said his team was stopped from gaining access to the area where he intended to pay a condolence visit. The incident occurred along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base, shortly after Obi and his entourage arrived in the state.
Obi's media aide, Esther Umoh, shared videos on social media showing the blocked route and individuals running after vehicles believed to be part of the convoy. "We have just arrived in Benue State, where alleged sponsored thugs have blocked Boko Road by the Air Force Base, attempting to prevent Peter Obi from gaining access into the state," she wrote. In another video, some individuals were seen running after vehicles in what she alleged was an attempt to attack the entourage. The mob, reportedly wielding sticks, blocked the road, preventing the NDC candidate's convoy from proceeding.
Speaking at the scene, Obi said he was informed that youths allegedly sponsored by the state governor had blocked the road and were preventing him from proceeding. "I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in," Obi said. He expressed concern over the spate of killings in Benue, saying people who wanted to visit affected communities and show solidarity should be allowed to do so. "People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in," he said.
Obi condemned the obstruction as "totally unacceptable" and questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged blockade. "I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable," he said. He also noted that his visit was not for political campaigning but to commiserate with victims of violence and express solidarity with affected communities. "I am in Benue today not for campaigns. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, to condole and show solidarity with them," Obi said. He also condemned what he described as the deteriorating nature of Nigerian politics, arguing that political differences should not override the need for unity. "You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated," he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government and the police had yet to publicly react to the allegations. The incident comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying mobilisation and engagements across the country. The blockade of Obi's convoy has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the use of thuggery to stifle political expression, as the nation prepares for the 2027 elections.
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