By George Ozalla
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has condemned the alleged obstruction and harassment of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, during his planned humanitarian visit to Benue State.
The forum said Obi and his delegation were blocked along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base in Makurdi, on Tuesday, September 8, by persons reportedly led by a Special Adviser to the Benue State Government.
Obi was on his way to commiserate with families and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the recent attacks in Yelwata and other communities in the state, where more than 200 lives were reportedly lost.
In a statement signed by Hon. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Chairman of the FNYLPPN, the youth leaders described the alleged obstruction as “deeply troubling and unacceptable” in a democratic society.
Chukwu said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has a constitutional right to free movement and to associate with citizens in any part of the country, warning that politicising humanitarian gestures and condolence visits could set a dangerous precedent.
According to him, the purpose of Obi’s visit was to commiserate with families and IDPs affected by the attacks in Yelwata and other communities, rather than to engage in partisan political activity.
The forum said it was particularly concerned that the alleged obstruction occurred when Benue State was still dealing with the consequences of deadly attacks and displacement.
“At a time when Benue State and other parts of the country are battling insecurity and displacement, leaders should be encouraged, not obstructed, from drawing national attention to the plight of victims and offering support,” Chukwu stated.
The youth leaders maintained that humanitarian visits should not be subjected to political considerations, arguing that victims of violence and displaced persons need sympathy and assistance irrespective of the political identity of those offering it.
The forum also alleged that the persons who blocked Obi and his delegation were led by a Special Adviser to the Benue State Government, and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chukwu said the development was unacceptable because political disagreements should not be allowed to interfere with the right of Nigerians to move freely and associate with citizens in other parts of the country.
He also condemned the use of thuggery, roadblocks and intimidation in political engagement, saying such practices had no place in the political future Nigeria’s young people were seeking to build.
“As youth leaders across all political parties, we reject the use of thuggery, roadblocks, and intimidation as tools of political engagement. Our generation must build a Nigeria where issues are debated, not suppressed,” he said.
The forum called on the Benue State Government to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain neutral and protect all citizens, particularly political and humanitarian actors visiting communities affected by insecurity.
According to the youth leaders, security agencies have a responsibility to guarantee the safety of visitors to affected communities and should not permit political differences to compromise the protection of citizens.
The forum further called on political actors to embrace tolerance, decorum and the spirit of sportsmanship as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
It warned that the use of intimidation and physical obstruction in political activities could deepen political divisions and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The youth leaders said the incident should serve as a reminder that political competition must not erase the basic values of humanity, especially when citizens are mourning relatives killed in attacks or struggling to survive after being displaced from their homes.
They expressed solidarity with the people of Benue State and families affected by the attacks in Yelwata and other communities, while also standing with Nigerians who wish to sympathise with victims of terrorism regardless of their political affiliation.
Chukwu said Nigerians should not be divided along political lines when dealing with the suffering caused by insecurity.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must not allow partisan interests to override our common humanity,” he said.
