Obidient Movement Plans One Million-Man March in Benue Amid Tensions

The Obidient Movement in Benue State has announced plans to hold a “One Million-Man March” in Makurdi on Saturday, September 12, 2026, days after Peter Obi’s convoy was blocked during his visit to the state.

According to a flyer circulating on social media, the march is scheduled to begin at 9am from the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi. The event is being organised under the theme “A New Nigeria.”

The announcement comes three days after Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area during a visit to sympathise with families affected by the June 2025 attacks in the community.

Obi arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, but his convoy encountered a roadblock mounted by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, a short distance from the airport.

Videos circulated online showed groups of youths blocking the road as Obi's convoy attempted to pass. Obi later appealed to security agencies to intervene, saying he had chosen not to force his way through in order to avoid a confrontation that could endanger lives.

The NDC condemned the incident and called for an investigation, alleging that suspected political thugs were responsible for the obstruction. The allegation has not been independently established.

The Benue State Government, however, has denied any involvement in the incident.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government was not aware of Obi’s visit and rejected allegations that the youths who blocked his convoy were acting on behalf of the administration.

The state government also maintained that recognised security agencies, rather than political groups or individuals, would handle any security concerns involving Obi.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, subsequently said the police were informed about Obi’s planned visit and had deployed security personnel. He also said the officers were assigned to provide protection and not to prevent protests.

The latest planned march is expected to draw supporters of Obi and the Obidient Movement to the streets of Makurdi. However, the description of the event as a “One Million-Man March” reflects the organisers’ stated branding and should not be interpreted as confirmation that one million participants are expected.

The movement has previously organised large-scale marches in support of Obi. In August 2022, supporters held a similar “One-Million-Man Obitrek” march in Makurdi ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The September 12 demonstration will therefore take place against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the disruption of Obi’s movement earlier in the week.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the event is likely to attract significant political attention, particularly as questions continue to be raised about political tolerance, freedom of movement and the security of political activities in Benue State.