Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, has accused the Benue State Government of plotting to disrupt the planned visit of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Makurdi on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Prof. Shija outlined the details of Mr. Obi’s itinerary scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
According to Shija, the former Anambra State governor is expected to begin his trip with a humanitarian visit to the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area along Lafia Road. The visit aims to pay tribute to the victims of the June 2025 massacre, console bereaved families, and lay a wreath at a memorial cenotaph.
Following the solemn event in Yelewata, Obi will proceed to Makurdi to host a town hall meeting with residents and party supporters at the multipurpose hall of the Mission House, located behind the Benue Links head office in Wurukum.
Shija explicitly emphasized that the presidential candidate will not be visiting any state government facilities or Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during his time in the state.
Detailing the allegations of state interference, Prof. Shija stated that despite formal notifications sent to state authorities, threats aimed at blocking the trip have persisted.
He recalled an incident two months prior in September 2026 when Obi’s convoy was blocked near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi by political thugs, attributing the disruption to forces loyal to the state administration.
“The visit of Mr. Peter Obi is going to be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Shija declared. “We are not going to engage in any violence, but it must hold and it must be successful. The Nigerian Democratic Congress will not yield to any blackmail or intimidation.”
In a swift response issued on Tuesday, the Benue State Government rejected the allegations, describing the claims as false, baseless, and politically motivated “content creation.” Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, asserted that Benue remains a hospitable state welcoming all Nigerians, including political figures seeking votes, and insisted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has no reason or motive to fear or obstruct any political visitor.
Iorpev noted that the governor remains focused on rebuilding state infrastructure, restoring security, and delivering tangible development projects.
Warning the opposition against using the sacred memory of the Yelewata tragedy as a political publicity stunt, the commissioner added that security agencies have been directed to deal firmly with anyone attempting to cause disorder or break the peace during the visit.
