The Benue State Government is reportedly trying to block a planned visit by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.
Mr Obi has recently visited IDP camps in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, where he donated relief materials and called for government support for displaced persons. His visits have drawn national attention and praise, especially for his humanitarian efforts.
In preparation for his trip to Benue, Obi’s team contacted the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to gain access to the camps. However, reports suggest that the visit is now being opposed by top government officials in the state.
According to reliable sources, the state government fears the visit may have political implications. Some officials believe it is a move by former Governor Samuel Ortom, a strong supporter of Peter Obi, to revive his political influence and possibly embarrass the current Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
There are also speculations that allowing Obi’s visit could worsen rumours that Governor Alia is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC). This concern reportedly influenced the decision to stop the visit, as the governor is said to be working hard to maintain his standing with President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership.
A source told that Governor Alia’s inner circle warned that Obi’s presence could be interpreted as a political alignment with the opposition and could trigger tensions both locally and nationally.
In response, the governor reportedly instructed his media team to issue a warning against “unapproved high-profile visits” to the state. The statement did not mention Peter Obi by name but was seen as a clear message to him and his team.
The statement, issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, warned that any such visit without the governor’s approval may not be safe.
“The safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read.
Peter Obi’s supporters have expressed concern over the development. A source close to the former governor said the visit was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
It is important to note that in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi received over 308,000 votes in Benue State, defeating both the APC and PDP. Many believe his success was largely due to strong support from youths, religious groups, and former Governor Ortom.
So far, neither Obi’s camp nor the Labour Party has issued an official response to the restriction.
