The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, Terhemba Shija, has accused the state government of attempting to frustrate the planned visit of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was, however, dismissed by the Benue State Government, which described it as false, baseless and mischievous.
Shija made the allegation while addressing journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday, disclosing that Obi was scheduled to visit the state on Wednesday for a town hall meeting and a humanitarian visit to Yelewata community.
The visit to Yelewata is expected to include a tribute to victims of the June 2025 massacre, as well as a meeting with families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
The NDC candidate alleged that despite formally notifying the state government of the visit, threats had been issued to prevent Obi from visiting the affected community.
He recalled an earlier attempt to stop the former Anambra State governor from visiting Yelewata, expressing concern over what he described as political interference in the planned humanitarian engagement.
Shija explained that Obi would lay a wreath at the cenotaph erected in memory of the victims along Lafia Road and meet with bereaved families, but would not visit any government facility or internally displaced persons’ camp.
He insisted that the visit would proceed peacefully, warning that the party would not succumb to intimidation or political pressure.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, denied the allegation, accusing the NDC candidate of attempting to create a false narrative against the state government.
Iorpev described the claims as political speculation intended to portray the government as responsible for any possible disruption of the visit.
He maintained that the state remained welcoming to visitors and had no reason to be apprehensive about Obi’s planned engagement.
The commissioner added that Governor Hyacinth Alia was focused on restoring security, rebuilding the state and delivering development projects rather than engaging in political distractions.
Iorpev also cautioned the NDC against using the Yelewata massacre as a political campaign tool, stressing that the tragedy remained a painful experience for the state and the affected families.
He said the government shared in the grief of the victims’ relatives and urged political actors to respect their loss rather than turn the humanitarian visit into a publicity exercise.
The commissioner further assured that the state government would take necessary measures to guarantee the safety of visitors and ensure peaceful movement and interactions throughout the visit.
He warned that security agencies would deal firmly with anyone attempting to cause disorder or disrupt public peace, regardless of political affiliation.