In a move that has stirred reactions across political circles, presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi has broken his silence regarding the abrupt cancellation of his scheduled visit to Benue State.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, Obi described the situation as unsettling, noting that he would typically refrain from making public comments, having endured more difficult experiences in his political journey. However, he said recent developments compelled him to speak out.
According to Obi, he had planned visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promote health and education initiatives. The visits were scheduled for Sunday, April 13 in Plateau, and Monday, April 14 in Benue.
His itinerary included courtesy visits to the governors, interactions with IDPs, and engagements with institutions such as nursing schools.
Obi explained that, in line with his usual protocol, he reached out to the Plateau State Government to notify them of his visit. He said the Plateau State Governor warmly welcomed him and provided all necessary support, enabling him to spend quality time with victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.
However, the situation in Benue took a different turn. Despite several attempts, Obi said he was unable to reach the Benue State Governor directly. He eventually managed to speak with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who informed him that the governor was in an important meeting but would return his call before midnight.
According to Obi, that return call never came. Days later, the ADC messaged him again, claiming he still couldn’t reach the governor. Obi described the situation as “deeply troubling.”
Still determined, Obi said he proceeded with his plans to travel to Makurdi, insisting that visiting the governor was a matter of courtesy, not necessity. He departed Jos at 7 a.m. on the day of the intended visit.
However, while en route and upon reaching Akwanga around 10 a.m., his security team intercepted a press statement purportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively halting his visit. While still discussing the situation with his team, the same statement was forwarded to him by the Governor’s ADC.
“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Obi noted.
He clarified that his planned visit was purely humanitarian, aimed at supporting crucial areas such as health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians.
He reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, stating that he had consistently championed such efforts, even before his political career.
“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.
His planned engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—demonstrating his ongoing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
Obi concluded by urging for a depoliticised approach to national issues and called on leaders and citizens to prioritise the welfare of the less privileged.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need,” he prayed.
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