Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed the reasons behind the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, citing a lack of communication and a press statement from the state government that effectively halted his trip.
Obi, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, described the incident as “deeply troubling,” especially given the humanitarian nature of his intended visit.
The former Anambra State Governor explained that his visit was part of a broader outreach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promote health and education.
He had successfully visited Plateau State on Sunday, April 13, where he was received warmly by the state government and spent time with IDPs in Bokkos.
However, the situation was markedly different in Benue.
“Despite several attempts, I was unable to establish direct contact with the Benue State Governor,” Obi said. “I eventually spoke with the Governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who promised a callback that never came.”
Obi said he chose to proceed with the trip regardless, noting that meeting the governor was a courtesy, not a requirement.
“I departed Jos at 7am, but while in transit and approaching Akwanga around 10am, my security team intercepted a press statement from the Benue State Government cancelling my visit,” he recounted. “Curiously, the same statement was forwarded to me moments later by the Governor’s ADC.”
The statement, he said, mirrored the itinerary he had previously shared with the state’s security operatives and the ADC.
Obi emphasized that his mission was solely humanitarian: “My visit was purely to support healthcare, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians.”
He also reminded the public of his history of such efforts. “People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support.”
Planned stops in Benue included a school under construction in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp.
In closing, Obi appealed for a shift away from political distractions: “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.”