Ortom Accuses Alia of Involvement in Peter Obi’s Benue Blockade

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of being involved in the reported blockade that prevented Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

Ortom condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law. He made the allegation on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Obi had travelled to Benue to visit Yelwata and sympathise with families affected by the deadly attacks that occurred in the community in 2025. His convoy was reportedly stopped by youths who mounted a roadblock along the Makurdi-Gboko road, preventing him from continuing to the community.

Ortom said Obi should have been allowed to visit the affected community, regardless of political differences.

“I condemn what happened yesterday. It is wrong not to allow Peter Obi to visit Benue and sympathise with those people whose people were killed,” Ortom said.

The former governor went further to allege that Governor Alia was aware of and involved in the incident. He challenged the governor to deny the allegation, insisting that the blockade was deliberate.

“Alia himself, the governor of Benue State, is involved in this matter; he cannot deny that. I am not supporting Peter Obi. But it is wrong,” Ortom said.

Ortom also accused the Alia administration of a broader disregard for the rule of law, citing previous incidents that he said demonstrated hostility towards political opponents and dissenting voices.

He particularly criticised the use of alleged political thugs to disrupt political activities, arguing that such actions undermine democratic participation and freedom of movement.

Benue Government Denies Involvement

The Benue State Government has denied any involvement in the blockade and rejected allegations that Governor Alia or his administration organised the youths who stopped Obi's convoy.

The government said it was not aware of Obi's planned visit and maintained that it does not use thugs as instruments of governance or security. State officials also said recognised security agencies, rather than political supporters, were responsible for maintaining law and order.

Benue Commissioner for Information and Culture, Solomon Lorpev, said the government was not officially informed about Obi's visit and argued that appropriate security coordination should have taken place.

The state government has also said that investigations were ongoing to determine what happened and who was responsible for the obstruction.

The police have confirmed that security personnel were deployed to protect Obi during the visit and that suspects were subsequently arrested in connection with the blockade.

Dickson Calls for Investigation

Former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader Seriake Dickson has also condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

Speaking on Arise TV's Newsnight, Dickson described the obstruction of a presidential candidate's movement as unacceptable and said the circumstances surrounding the incident should be fully investigated.

He argued that political candidates and Nigerian citizens have a constitutional right to move freely across the country and participate in political activities.

Dickson also said the NDC had notified the police ahead of Obi's visit and called for the authorities to establish whether any government officials were involved.

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

The incident has generated reactions from across the political divide, with several political figures condemning the obstruction while calling for peaceful political participation.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has also condemned the blockade, saying such actions have no place in a democratic society.

While Ortom has directly accused Governor Alia of involvement, the allegation remains disputed. The Benue State Government has denied responsibility, while security authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blockade.

The outcome of the investigation could help establish who organised the roadblock and whether political actors were involved.