Peter Obi's Benue Visit Disrupted by Youths Amid Tensions

On September 8, 2026, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), attempted to visit Yelwata in Benue State to sympathize with victims of the June 2025 killings. His convoy was stopped by youths on the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, who chanted, “Peter Obi, go back.” Obi chose to withdraw to avoid confrontation.

The NDC accused the youths of being thugs mobilized by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia, condemning the incident as an attack on democratic freedom and demanding an investigation. The Benue State Government denied these allegations.

Following the incident, the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 46 suspects linked to the obstruction, with Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu stating that investigations were ongoing and key figures were still being pursued. The police emphasized that political intolerance would not be tolerated as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, raising critical questions about the potential for violence in the electoral process.