Peter Obi Reacts Strongly to Benue State Visitation Denial: “My Mission Was Humanitarian, Not Political”
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block his scheduled visit to Benue State, describing the situation as “disturbing” and “unfortunate.”
In a statement released on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Obi revealed that his planned visit to Benue part of a humanitarian tour that included Plateau State was aimed at showing support for victims in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, visiting nursing students, and inspecting a school under construction by a local bishop.
While the Plateau State Governor warmly welcomed Obi and facilitated his visit to the IDP camp in Bokkos, his efforts to reach the Benue State Governor for a similar courtesy call proved unsuccessful. Despite multiple attempts, Obi only received a belated message from the Governor’s ADC, stating he had been unable to reach his principal for three days.
The situation escalated when, en route from Jos to Makurdi, Obi’s security team received a press statement purportedly from the Benue State Government suggesting his visit was unauthorized. Alarmingly, the statement contained details of Obi’s itinerary, which had only been shared confidentially with the Governor’s ADC and security officials.
“I am not entirely sure that the Governor my younger brother and a Reverend Father I deeply respect is fully aware of this situation,” Obi said. “But having exhausted every avenue to reach him, I am compelled to speak out.”
Reaffirming the humanitarian nature of his mission, Obi explained:
“My visit was to support good causes in critical areas such as health, education, and the welfare of displaced citizens. This is something I have always done, even before politics. In the past, I even sought presidential approval to visit Haiti during a national disaster.”
He warned against politicizing acts of compassion and care, especially when aimed at vulnerable citizens.
“May God help us as we rebuild a nation where compassion is not politicized, and leaders work for the common good of all. A new Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.
