Obi’s Benue Visit: Police, Parties Trade Blame

As reactions continue to trail the disruption of the visit of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to Benue State on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has said the party never asked him to transmit a letter notifying Governor Hyacinth Alia of Obi’s visit.

Nwadiogbu said the letter was presented to him by NDC members who visited his office to inform the police command about Obi’s planned arrival, adding that the information was primarily for security arrangements.

The commissioner spoke on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics programme on Wednesday while explaining the events that led to the disruption of Obi’s movement in the state.

According to him, NDC members initially contacted the Police Public Relations Officer before visiting his office.

“On that very day, my PRO came to me and said members of NDC said they were paying me a visit. I said, well, I am currently in the office, and the PRO said they are coming by 3 p.m. I said, ‘Okay,’” Nwadiogbu said.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) condemned the incident, alleging that youths were sponsored to block and attack Obi and describing the development as an “invitation to anarchy” as the country approaches another electoral season.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, IPAC said preventing a presidential candidate from entering a state violated his constitutional right to freedom of movement.

“Restricting a citizen from entering a state is a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” IPAC said.

The council also expressed concern over the incident against the backdrop of the security challenges facing Benue State.

“Benue State is already bleeding over constant terrorists’ attacks, sponsoring youths to block and attack Obi’s convoy is a misplaced aggression and height of rascality,” it said.

IPAC commended the police for arresting 46 suspects and called for a thorough investigation to identify those behind the incident and their alleged sponsors.

The Labour Party also condemned the alleged blockade, with its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, calling on President Bola Tinubu to rein in governors.

The party alleged that the youths who blocked Obi were sponsored by the state government, adding that such a development would be frightening if established.

“If a Reverend Father who mounts the pulpit to teach morals could descend to this level of violence, what should Nigerians expect from more indecorous politicians and governors, like the one in Edo?” the party asked.

It added that the ability of citizens to move freely, express political opinions and participate in public life without fear of harassment or attack was essential to democracy.

The South-East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (SEMATA) also condemned the incident, describing it as an act of impunity and brigandage.

In a statement by its President-General, Chief Emeka Emechebe, and Secretary-General, Chief Chima Eruchalu, after an emergency executive meeting in Onitsha, the association warned that such conduct could undermine peaceful elections in 2027.

SEMATA urged youths in Benue and other parts of the country not to repeat the incident, stressing that all presidential candidates have a constitutional right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly regardless of political affiliation.

It warned that no individual or group had a monopoly on violence and said it would neither tolerate nor support acts of lawlessness.

“We are a nation of laws where the rule of law prevails at all times,” the association said, adding that Nigeria must not allow political violence and turbulence to threaten democracy.

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