Nigeria: Benue Govt Not Thugs Blocked Obi's Convoy - Sowore Alleges

What the report says

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has accused the Benue State Government of being behind the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy during Obi’s visit to Benue on Tuesday, according to Vanguard, distributed by AllAfrica. Sowore said the incident appeared planned to stop the former Anambra State governor from entering Makurdi.

The report said a crowd blocked Obi and members of his delegation from moving forward and chanted for him to leave. Sowore pointed to the reported presence of a special adviser to the Benue governor among those in the crowd as part of the reason he believes the action was coordinated by government actors. He also said the behavior of people at the scene and of security personnel suggested the authorities knew what was happening.

Sowore, who said his political differences with Obi are ideological rather than personal, argued that no Nigerian should be prevented from traveling or campaigning because of politics. He urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible and warned that such incidents could contribute to a wider climate of intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The article presents Sowore’s allegations and reaction; it does not provide an independent confirmation from the Benue State Government or security agencies. In general, freedom of movement and peaceful political activity are protected principles in democratic systems, making allegations of obstruction during campaign-related visits politically sensitive.