Plans by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State have reportedly been stalled by the state government, igniting fresh political tensions.
Obi, known for his post-election humanitarian outreach, was scheduled to continue his nationwide tour of crisis-hit communities with a visit to Benue’s IDP camps.
In recent weeks, the former Anambra State governor has visited displaced persons in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa, offering relief materials and advocating for urgent government action.
According to sources close to the matter, Obi’s team had contacted the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to formally notify them of the visit.
BSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, received the outreach, but it reportedly triggered political pushback from top government officials.
Insiders say Governor Hyacinth Alia was advised against granting access to Obi. There are fears that the visit could reignite political rivalries, particularly with former Governor Samuel Ortom, a known supporter of Obi.
“Allowing Obi access at this time could fuel ongoing speculations that Governor Alia is considering leaving the APC,” a senior source revealed.
“The governor is very conscious of his relationship with the Presidency. This isn’t the kind of message he wants to send to the President.”
I can’t guarantee safety of unscheduled visitors – Gov Alia
Amid increasing tension within the APC at both state and national levels, sources claim Alia’s allies warned that hosting a high-profile opposition figure like Obi could be interpreted as political posturing — or worse, as aligning with rivals during a turbulent political period.
Adding to the speculation, the governor reportedly instructed his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, to issue a statement discouraging “unapproved high-profile visits” to the state.
“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.
Though Obi was not mentioned by name, government insiders confirmed the statement was directed at him.
Another government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “The camps are a sensitive issue. We cannot allow anyone to politicise the suffering of our displaced people.”
Obi’s supporters, however, argue that the visit was entirely humanitarian.
“This is part of his national outreach. There’s no political agenda,” a source close to Obi stated.
Obi’s influence in Benue remains notable. During the 2023 presidential election, he garnered over 308,000 votes in the state — a surprising result in a region traditionally dominated by the APC and PDP.
Many attribute this to a groundswell of youth and middle-class support and Ortom’s backing.
As of press time, neither Obi nor the Labour Party had issued an official response to the reported pushback.
However, the development has stirred debate on whether humanitarian efforts should be overshadowed by political considerations.
