The Benue State Government has firmly dismissed allegations by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), that government-sponsored thugs prevented him from reaching Yelewata to console victims of the 2025 attacks. In an official statement, Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, described the claims as unfounded and suggested they may stem from internal political conflicts within the NDC rather than any action by the state.
Government Denies Allegations and Questions Obi's Credibility
Kula emphatically denied that the Alia administration had any knowledge of the incident, stating, "We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about." He further questioned whether Obi even visited Makurdi, the state capital, citing what he called a pattern of untrue statements Obi had previously made about Benue.
The spokesperson noted that a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require formal security coordination with the Commissioner of Police and other relevant agencies. "It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement," Kula said.
Alia Administration Rejects Association with Thuggery
Kula firmly rejected any connection between the Alia administration and thuggery, emphasizing that Governor Alia relies exclusively on recognised security agencies to maintain order across the state. He also pushed back on Obi's tendency to link unverified incidents to the Benue State Government, suggesting that any resistance Obi faces within his party structure should be resolved internally rather than blamed on the government.
"The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists," Kula said, adding that the government's focus remains on governance, security, and the welfare of Benue residents. The statement concluded with an appeal to the public to disregard claims linking the state government to incidents involving the NDC presidential candidate, reminding that Benue remains open to all Nigerians who come in peace.
Background: Obi's NDC Affiliation and Kwankwaso's Reaction
Peter Obi joined the NDC on May 2, 2026, after resigning from the African Democratic Congress, and was ratified as the party's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026. Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NDC vice presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, condemned the incident as a coordinated attack on Obi's convoy in Benue, calling for immediate prosecution of those involved.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, September 8, Kwankwaso said he was "deeply disturbed" by the incident, lamenting that unruly elements were deliberately mobilised to block Obi's convoy and prevent the former Anambra state governor from reaching Makurdi. The Benue State Government's denial stands in contrast to Kwankwaso's account, leaving the situation unresolved as both sides present conflicting narratives.
