2027: Peter Obi under attack as thugs block convoy
2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi came under attack on Tuesday after suspected thugs reportedly blocked his convoy as he arrived in Benue State.
The incident occurred along Boko Road, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base, shortly after Obi and members of his entourage entered the state.
Videos shared from the scene showed a group of people blocking the road and moving towards vehicles in the convoy.
Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, raised the alarm over the incident and shared footage of the development on social media.
She alleged that the individuals had deliberately blocked the road to stop Obi from gaining access to the area.
A second video showed some of the individuals running after vehicles believed to be part of Obi’s convoy.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the identities and motives of those involved, were not immediately established.
The incident created tension in the area as Obi’s entourage attempted to continue with his planned activities in the state.
Obi later explained that his visit to Benue was not primarily for campaign activities.
He said he travelled to the state to sympathise with people affected by recent attacks and to visit communities where lives had been lost.
The former Anambra State governor has previously visited communities affected by violence in Benue and met with victims and families of those killed.
His latest visit came amid continued concerns over insecurity in different parts of the state.
Following the reported attack, Obi also spoke about the state of politics in Nigeria, expressing concern over the level of hostility surrounding political activities.
He called for a political environment where disagreements do not result in violence or attempts to prevent political figures from moving freely.
The NDC candidate said the country needed a political system focused more on unity and peaceful engagement. He also linked the development to the wider need for Nigerians to change the way political disagreements are handled.
