They Tried To Stop Us” — Peter Obi Speaks After Alleged Thug Attack On Convoy

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained that his visit to Benue State was not for campaign activities but to sympathise with residents of a community recently affected by a deadly incident.

According to Ireporter Online, Obi spoke on Tuesday after his convoy reportedly encountered a road blockade shortly after entering the state.

The former Anambra State governor said he had travelled to Benue to condole with the affected community and demonstrate solidarity with those who lost loved ones.

“I am in Benue today not for campaigns. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, to condole and show solidarity with them,” Obi said.

Reacting to the reported obstruction of his convoy, Obi expressed concern about what he described as the declining level of political tolerance in Nigeria.

He argued that political differences should not prevent people from showing compassion and supporting communities affected by tragedy.

“You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated,” he said.

Obi also renewed his call for a more united political environment, recalling that he made a similar appeal a day earlier while attending the inauguration of an office belonging to a candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement.

“That was why yesterday, while joining the APM candidate in launching his office, I used the opportunity to plead with our people, let our next politics be a politics of unity,” he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, alleged that suspected thugs blocked Boko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base after the NDC candidate and his entourage arrived in Benue.

Umoh shared videos of the incident on X and alleged that the individuals responsible were attempting to prevent the convoy from proceeding.

In another video circulated by the aide, several people were seen running behind vehicles believed to be part of Obi’s convoy.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the identities and motives of the individuals involved remain unclear.