Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, was on Tuesday prevented from proceeding along Gboko Road in Makurdi, Benue State, after protesters barricaded the road and chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.” The protesters blocked the road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, disrupting traffic and leaving Obi’s convoy stranded for hours.

Obi said he had travelled to Benue to condole with victims of recent killings in the state but was stopped after youths allegedly mobilised by a Special Assistant to the government blocked his route. Speaking in a video posted by News Central Television, he said he was informed that the protesters had been directed to prevent him from reaching his destination.

The former Anambra State governor condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and accusing political actors of exploiting youths affected by poverty and insecurity. He said the young people involved should be receiving support to improve their livelihoods rather than being used for political purposes.

Obi also expressed concern over the killings in Benue, saying he had travelled a long distance to show solidarity with affected communities. He maintained that his visit was known to the state authorities and was not a secret, arguing that there was no justification for preventing him from carrying out his planned condolence visit.