Obi accuses Benue govt of politicising IDP, school visits
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has voiced serious concerns over what he describes as attempts to frustrate his planned humanitarian visit to Benue State. He criticized the move as a troubling sign of the increasing politicisation of charitable efforts in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi expressed dismay at the reaction from the Benue State Government toward his proposed courtesy visit and scheduled outreach to internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and healthcare institutions across the state.
“Ordinarily, I would have chosen to remain silent on this matter, as I have endured far more challenging circumstances since declaring my intention to run for president,” Obi stated. “However, the unfolding events now make it imperative for me to speak out.”
Obi explained that the Benue trip, originally set for April 14, was part of a broader two-state tour, beginning in Plateau State on April 13. While the Plateau State Governor warmly welcomed his proposed visit, Obi revealed that he was unable to establish direct communication with the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, despite multiple attempts.
“I made several attempts to reach the Benue State Governor directly but was unsuccessful,” Obi explained. “Eventually, I managed to get in touch with his ADC, who informed me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would return my call before midnight that same day.”
Obi further disclosed that he did not receive any response until the evening of Sunday, April 13, when the ADC finally informed him that efforts to reach the governor over the past three days had been unsuccessful.
Nonetheless, Obi chose to go ahead with his planned visit, emphasizing that his request to meet the governor was purely out of courtesy and respect.
However, while travelling from Jos to Makurdi on Monday morning, Obi said his security team received a press release—allegedly from the Benue State Government—signalling that the visit was not welcomed.
“Strangely enough, while I was still in conversation with my security team about the statement, the Governor’s ADC sent the same press release directly to me,” Obi said.
He pointed out that the contents of the release included details identical to his itinerary, which had previously been shared with the ADC and security officials in the state.
Reaffirming the purpose of his trip, Obi emphasised that the visit was strictly humanitarian and devoid of political motives.
“My intention was simply to offer support and solidarity to vulnerable populations, especially those in IDP camps,” he stated. “It is disheartening to see such gestures being politicised.”
Peter Obi reiterated the purpose of his visit, underscoring its humanitarian focus and urging those concerned not to politicize efforts aimed at national development.
“I feel compelled to remind everyone that this journey was solely aimed at supporting critical areas of development—health, health education, general education, and providing care for vulnerable Nigerians,” he stated.
Highlighting his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, Obi continued, “This is not new to me. I have engaged in these efforts long before I ventured into politics, and I have remained consistent in supporting such initiatives throughout my political career.”
He recalled previous occasions when he had sought and obtained presidential clearance to travel abroad for similar causes, including during the Haiti earthquake response.
“My intention was to visit a school being constructed by a bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp. These visits were born out of genuine concern for the welfare of our fellow citizens and reflect my enduring commitment to showing love, care, and compassion to displaced Nigerians,” he said.
Obi concluded his remarks with a hopeful call for national unity:
“May God guide us as we work to rebuild our nation and strive for a New Nigeria—one where acts of compassion are not politicised, and where all citizens are free to contribute to the common good, especially for the benefit of the less privileged and those in need.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government, through Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, issued a statement earlier on Monday stating that the administration had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit and therefore could not ensure the safety of any individual entering the state without official clearance.
In the statement titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State,” the governor stressed that “any individual or group intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).”
The release further cautioned: “For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without prior notification to the governor, it is strongly advised to reconsider such plans, as safety and security cannot be guaranteed under those circumstances.”
Governor Alia also warned against any activity that might be perceived as political in nature, calling on residents and security agencies to maintain peace and order.
Peter Gregory Obi CON (Igbo: [òbí]; born 19 July 1961) is a Nigerian businessman and politician best known for his two-term tenure as the Governor of Anambra State and for running as the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian elections.
Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi attended Christ the King College and later studied Philosophy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1984. He also undertook further executive studies at several prestigious institutions, including Lagos Business School, Harvard, Oxford's Saïd Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, and Kellogg School of Management.
Political Career
Peter Obi's entry into politics began in 2003 when he ran for Governor of Anambra State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Though initial results favored Chris Ngige, Obi successfully challenged the outcome in court and was declared the rightful winner, assuming office on 17 March 2006. However, his administration was short-lived; he was impeached by the state assembly on 3 November 2006 for alleged misconduct. His deputy, Dame Virginia Etiaba, briefly assumed office.
Obi challenged the impeachment in court and was reinstated by the Supreme Court on 9 February 2007. Despite not completing his term, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held another election in April 2007, in which Andy Uba was declared winner. Obi once again went to court, and the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, allowing him to complete his original tenure from 14 June 2007 to 17 March 2010. He was re-elected and served until 17 March 2014, handing over to his successor, Willie Obiano.
Following the 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Obi as chairman of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 2018, he was selected as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2019 presidential election, which they lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
2023 Presidential Campaign
In March 2022, Peter Obi declared his intention to run for president under the PDP but later withdrew, citing internal party issues including vote-buying and delegate manipulation. He joined the Labour Party and emerged as its presidential flag bearer, with economist and former senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed chosen as his running mate.
Obi’s campaign was driven by a grassroots movement of young, energetic Nigerians who called themselves the “Obidients.” His message of accountability, prudent governance, and economic reform resonated with voters disillusioned with the traditional political establishment. Massive support rallies known as “One Million Man Marches” took place across major Nigerian cities, often organized independently by volunteers.
In the election held on 25 February 2023, Obi came third with 6.1 million votes, winning the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and Lagos State. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner. Obi rejected the outcome, citing widespread electoral malpractice, and vowed to challenge the results in court.
Controversies – Pandora Papers
Peter Obi was named in the Pandora Papers leak for owning offshore companies in jurisdictions like the British Virgin Islands and Barbados. Reports revealed that he set up companies such as Gabriella Investments Limited and PMGG Investments Limited before holding political office. Critics alleged violations of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct laws, but Obi defended his actions, stating that the funds were legitimately earned and the companies were established before his political career. He further claimed that he had resigned from all directorship positions before assuming office. The EFCC questioned him in October 2021 following President Buhari’s directive to investigate all Nigerians named in the leaks.
Personal Life and Recognition
Peter Obi married Margaret Brownson Usen in 1992, and they have two children, Oseloka and Gabriella. Over the years, Obi has received numerous accolades for his leadership and contributions, including:
Man of the Year by The Sun (2007)
Most Prudent Governor in Nigeria by This Day (2009)
Best Performing Governor on Immunization in Southeast Nigeria by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2012)
Silverbird Group’s Man of the Year (2013)
Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lagos Business School (2014)
Governor of the Decade by This Day (2020)
Leadership Excellence Awards’ Man of the Year (2022)
Peter Obi remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his disciplined financial approach, advocacy for good governance, and growing influence among Nigeria's youth.