Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, after leaving Benue State following an incident that reportedly disrupted his planned movement into Makurdi.
Obi had travelled to Benue as part of a visit to Yelewata, where he intended to meet families affected by the deadly June 2025 massacre.
However, his convoy was reportedly stopped by youths at Gyado Villa along Gboko Road while attempting to proceed towards the state capital. The youths were described in the report as suspected political thugs.
Speaking about the incident, Obi appealed to security authorities to intervene and ensure that opposition politicians and other citizens are adequately protected.
He specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to take action.
“I’m using this occasion to appeal to the IG of police, the Director of DSS, and other agencies to please intervene and call various state governors to order,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor warned against allowing what he described as “rascality” to become acceptable in the country.
According to him, political disagreements should not degenerate into confrontations capable of threatening the safety of citizens.
Obi also said Nigerians should focus political campaigns on issues affecting the population, including insecurity, hunger, killings and poverty.
“We need unity, love, justice, and let this campaign be concentrated on ideas and issues that concerns Nigerians today,” he said.
The incident has attracted reactions from opposition figures and activists.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the reported actions against Obi as dangerous, warning that those involved were “toying with fire.”
Obi’s reported running mate for the 2027 general election, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, also appealed to the international community to help ensure the protection of opposition leaders.
Obi subsequently proceeded to Plateau State, where he arrived in Jos.
