The Obidient Movement has accused Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, of using political thugs to block roads in Makurdi and disrupt the movement of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Directorate on Tuesday, the group alleged that armed thugs barricaded Gboko Road near the Makurdi Airport. They noted that this created artificial gridlocks to frustrate Obi’s scheduled engagements.
Consequently, the movement expressed concern that political actors deploy state security resources for partisan intimidation instead of tackling regional insecurity.
Therefore, the group demanded an immediate end to political thuggery and highway blockades targeting opposition leaders.
Obidients Question Moral Leadership and Security Priorities
Highlighting the governor’s former priestly background, the group criticized Alia over what it described as a severe collapse of moral leadership.
Furthermore, the statement emphasized that Benue State belongs to its people rather than any temporary occupant of the executive office.
“A government confident in its stewardship does not rely on highway thugs, manufactured airport scandals, or weaponised state institutions to subdue its primary opponent,” the movement stated.
In addition, the group stressed that Peter Obi holds the constitutional right to travel freely and engage with citizens nationwide.
However, the Benue State Government swiftly rejected the allegations. Spokesperson Tersoo Kula dismissed the claims as false, insisting Governor Alia had no involvement in any road blockades.
Allegations of Political Alignment Ahead of 2027 Polls
Moreover, the Obidient Movement alleged that certain ruling party governors frustrate Obi’s activities to seek political favor with the presidency.
According to the group, these aggressive actions reflect deep political anxiety among incumbent leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If Bola Tinubu believes he can defeat Peter Obi, let him meet him at the ballot box,” the statement added.
Additionally, the movement urged law enforcement agencies to investigate all political disruptions to guarantee public safety.
Finally, the group called on international observers to monitor rising state-sponsored intimidation against opposition figures in Nigeria.
