Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, recently addressed the cancellation of his scheduled visit to Benue State.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi shed light on the events surrounding the unexpected halt of his trip, which was part of his ongoing efforts to engage with communities, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), and promote health and education.
The visit to Benue, planned for Monday, April 14, was meant to complement his earlier stop in Plateau State, where he had successfully engaged with victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.
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However, despite efforts to notify the Benue State government, Obi faced multiple challenges in establishing communication with the state’s leadership.
His attempts to connect with the Governor were unsuccessful, and after a series of unreturned calls, Obi was left in the dark about the status of his visit.
While enroute to Makurdi, Obi’s security team intercepted a press statement issued by the Benue State Government, which canceled his visit.
The statement contained details that Obi had earlier shared with the state’s security operatives.
Despite the setback, Obi emphasised that the purpose of his visit was purely humanitarian, focusing on supporting vulnerable Nigerians, including through visits to IDP camps, nursing schools, and development projects in the state.
Obi stated, “The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team.”
He further expressed his disappointment with the political implications surrounding his visit, adding,
“This is deeply troubling. I have always been committed to supporting Nigerians, especially in times of crisis, and will not be deterred by political machinations.”
Obi concluded by reiterating his commitment to humanitarian causes, noting, “The people in need must remain our primary focus, and my efforts will continue, regardless of the political challenges we face.”
