African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Benue State Government of orchestrating the violent blockade that prevented Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from entering Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The high-profile political confrontation unfolded on Tuesday along the Gboko–Makurdi Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base. Obi’s entourage was en route to Yelwata in the Guma Local Government Area to pay condolences to victims of recent communal killings when hostiles carrying sticks barricaded the main access route, forcing the delegation to abort their journey.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time Tuesday evening, Sowore asserted that the disruption was an organized effort by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
”You need no one to tell you the Peter Obi blockade in Yelwata was government-sponsored,” Sowore declared. “It was written all over the crowd, the way they conducted themselves, and the body language of the security agencies hanging around. Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire.”
Echoing Sowore’s claims, Peter Obi confirmed in a broadcast by News Central Television that a Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor was seen among the aggressive crowd encouraging youth to chant, “Peter Obi, go back!” Obi emphasized that his visit was strictly humanitarian.
Kwankwaso issued a statement late Tuesday describing the incident as a threat to democratic values. “The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy marks another dark day for our democracy,” he said, calling on President Bola Tinubu to restrain state governors.
Prof. Terhemba Shiga, NDC Governorship Candidate for Benue, while addressing reporters at the scene, Shiga characterised the agitators as “victims of substance abuse” mobilized out of political fear. “In the previous election, Peter Obi won Benue State… so they are afraid,” Shiga claimed.
Peter Ameh Senatorial Candidate for NDC, The former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman labeled the obstruction “ridiculous and unacceptable,” demanding an immediate independent investigation.
The Benue State Government rejected all allegations of complicity, asserting that the administration does not patronise political thugs and was not officially notified of Obi’s itinerary.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that operatives responded to secure Obi’s convoy, safely guiding the delegation away from the impasse. The Command announced that a formal investigation has been launched to identify the instigators of the blockage.
