Ortom Accuses Benue Government of Lawlessness Over Peter Obi Convoy Blockade
Makurdi, Benue State – September 9, 2026 — Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has delivered a sharp rebuke of the current state government, declaring that it “does not believe in the rule of law” and is “out for lawlessness” following the obstruction of presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ortom reacted to the Tuesday incident in which youths blocked Obi’s motorcade along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near the Air Force Base.
Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027, had arrived in Benue around 9 a.m. for what he described as a purely humanitarian visit to the Yelwata community, where more than 270 people were killed in a June 2025 attack.
What Happened on the Road
Obi’s team said protesters, some carrying sticks and chanting “Peter Obi, go back,” sealed both lanes of the dual carriageway, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Obi told journalists at the scene that he was informed the youths were sponsored by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He called the action “rascality” and “totally unacceptable,” insisting the visit was about solidarity with grieving families, not campaign politics.
Videos from the scene showed confrontation and heavy congestion as the road remained closed for hours. Police later confirmed they had been notified of Obi’s planned movement and had deployed escorts, but the blockade still occurred.
Government Denial and Protocol Dispute
The Benue State Government has firmly rejected any involvement. Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula described Obi’s claims as unfounded and an attempt to drag Governor Alia into an internal NDC matter.
Commissioner for Information Solomon Lorpev went further on Channels Television, arguing that Obi breached protocol by not officially notifying the governor of his visit and should “learn to observe protocol.”
Governor Alia’s administration maintains it had no prior knowledge of the trip and does not sponsor thuggery.
Police Response and Wider Reactions
On Wednesday, Benue Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu announced the arrest of 46 suspects linked to the obstruction after an intelligence-led investigation.
The command said security arrangements had been made after being informed the visit was humanitarian rather than political.
Opposition figures quickly condemned the blockade. Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement called it a “new low” in attempts to stifle opposition voices ahead of 2027.
Other political actors, including Omoyele Sowore, described the action as government-sponsored.
Ortom’s Strong Words
Ortom’s comments on national television framed the incident as evidence of deeper governance problems in the state.
The former governor, who previously endorsed Obi in 2023 but has since declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, used the platform to accuse the Alia administration of prioritizing political hostility over the rule of law.
The episode has reignited debate about political intolerance, freedom of movement, and the security of opposition figures as the 2027 campaign season intensifies.
Security agencies face pressure to ensure such disruptions do not become a recurring feature of the electoral calendar.
Obi’s team has said it will continue engagements across the country, while police investigations into the 46 arrested suspects continue.
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