Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has postponed his intended visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement made by the state government.
Obi, who was scheduled to visit Benue on Monday as part of a humanitarian mission, expressed unhappiness with the political undertones surrounding the visit, saying the decision to curtail his activities reflected a rising tendency to politicise charitable efforts in the country.
The Labour Party chieftain had planned courtesy calls and stops at internally displaced persons camps and health institutions in the state, but the state administration issued a statement cautioning against unannounced trips due to security concerns.
In a statement titled “Notice regarding an unscheduled visit to Benue State”, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, declared that the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and could not guarantee his safety.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read.
The governor also advised that any individual or organisation planning to visit IDPs must receive formal permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, as unauthorised trips could be seen as political gatherings.
In response, Obi stated that his visit, which was part of a two-day journey that began in Plateau State, was simply humanitarian.
While Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State greeted him warmly on April 13, Obi claimed he struggled to communicate with Governor Alia before the Benue part of the journey.
“Despite multiple attempts to reach him directly and through his aides, I received no confirmation. Eventually, while en route to Makurdi, a press statement was issued warning against the visit,” Obi revealed.
He said the contents of the government’s statement mirrored his itinerary—details he had shared only with the governor’s ADC and local security operatives.
“I was taken aback by the reaction, as my trip was aimed at supporting health and education initiatives and visiting displaced persons, not for political engagement,” he said.
Obi stressed his long-standing commitment to humanitarian work, both within and outside political office, and lamented the growing culture of resistance against efforts to support the vulnerable.
“I have undertaken similar missions across the country and even outside it, including the Haiti earthquake response. My intention in Benue was to visit a school project, a nursing institution, and an IDP camp in Gboko,” he added.
Obi insisted that his visit was purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives.
“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,” he said.
Obi emphasised his history of humanitarian work, stating, “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.”
He mentioned that he had previously sought presidential clearance to travel abroad for similar reasons, including during the Haiti 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 politicise everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need,” Obi wrote.
