Obi shelves visit to Benue, expresses disappointment in politicising charitable efforts

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has shelved his scheduled visit to Benue State, expressing disappointment over the political undertones surrounding the visit.

Obi, who was expected in Benue on Monday as part of a humanitarian outreach, said the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country.

He explained via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that his visit, part of a two-day tour beginning in Plateau State, was purely humanitarian.

While Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau warmly received him on April 13, Obi said he struggled to establish communication with Governor Alia ahead of the Benue leg of the tour.

“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 emphasised 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.

He insisted that his visit was purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives.

Meanwhile, 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.