By Ali Elias
In what has become a heated moment of political and ethical reflection, former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has issued a strong statement criticizing what he describes as an unnecessary obstruction of his humanitarian mission to Benue State. Obi, who had planned to visit IDP camps and educational institutions in the state, was reportedly forced to abandon the visit due to resistance from the Benue State Government.
The development, made public via Obi’s verified X account, has sparked nationwide debate over the growing politicization of humanitarian aid and civic engagement.
Full Statement by Peter Obi
“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.
On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.
On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.
As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted. In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.
However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi. Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me.
The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.
I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.
Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.
I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.
May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need. A new Nigeria is POssible. – PO”
Obi’s remarks draw a sharp contrast between the seamless welcome he received from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the seeming hostility in Benue. Critics argue that obstructing a visit centered around aid and compassion—regardless of political affiliation—sends a dangerous message: that even humanitarian efforts may be subjected to partisan scrutiny.
Though the Benue State Government cited security and procedural protocol for the rejection of the visit, the specificity of the leaked press statement and its alignment with Obi’s confidential itinerary has fueled speculations of political undertones.
As the 2027 election cycle looms, analysts say this episode may shape future engagements between political actors and civil society. “If someone like Peter Obi, known for modest, private philanthropy, is being blocked from supporting the displaced, it begs the question—what kind of nation are we building?” asked a public policy analyst in Abuja.
Moreover, this event could widen public distrust in institutions meant to serve the people, especially in regions with fragile humanitarian conditions like Benue, which continues to grapple with herdsmen crises and massive internal displacement.