Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has accused the Benue State Government of politicising his planned visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and health institutions in the state.
In a statement shared on Monday via his official X account, Obi expressed disappointment over what he described as deliberate attempts to frustrate his humanitarian trip to Benue, lamenting what he called the growing politicisation of good causes in Nigeria.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia had moved to block a planned visit by Obi to camps housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, saying he could not guarantee the security of any high-profile figure in the state.
However, Obi explained that his visit, scheduled for April 14, was part of a two-state outreach beginning in Plateau State on April 13.
While he said the Plateau State Governor warmly welcomed his intention to visit, he was unable to directly reach Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, despite several attempts.
“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency,” Obi wrote.