|By Adejumo Adekunle-
Officials fear political implications of humanitarian outreach
Obi’s growing influence sparks fresh waves in APC stronghold
The Benue State Government is reportedly working behind the scenes to block a planned visit by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to camps sheltering Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.
Obi, whose post-election activities have largely focused on humanitarian efforts, was scheduled to visit some of the IDP camps in Benue as part of his ongoing national outreach to violence-affected communities. His recent visits to camps in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa states drew national attention, especially after high-level engagements with state leaders and direct support to displaced families.
Reliable sources disclosed that Obi’s team formally reached out to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) through its Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, to seek clearance and camp access. But instead of a green light, the request reportedly triggered internal tensions within the Benue Government.
Top government officials are said to have advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to halt the visit, citing potential political backlash. The move, they argued, might be interpreted as a ploy by former Governor Samuel Ortom—a known Obi ally during the 2023 election—to regain political relevance and challenge the current administration’s narrative.
“Letting Obi in at this point could send the wrong message to Abuja,” one source revealed. “There are already whispers about Governor Alia’s strained relationship with some APC leaders. Granting Obi access could escalate those tensions, giving the impression he is leaning towards the opposition.”
Obi’s growing public goodwill, especially among displaced communities, is also seen by political insiders as a potential threat that could unsettle the fragile political balance in Benue, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite these concerns, insiders from Obi’s camp insist the visit has no political undertone.
“This is purely a humanitarian mission,” said a source close to the former governor. “Mr. Obi has maintained a consistent pattern of visiting IDPs and advocating for better support systems across states. Benue should not be an exception.”
Whether or not the visit will proceed remains uncertain, but the development has already stirred political waters in Benue, spotlighting the intersection of compassion and calculation in Nigerian politics.
