The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has condemned the reported attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Makurdi on Tuesday.
Obi was in the state to sympathise with families affected by the Yelwata massacre when suspected thugs allegedly blocked his convoy.
In a statement issued by Daniel Ihomun, publicity secretary of the faction loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the APC accused agents of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of mobilising the youths against Obi.
The party described the incident as “a shameful display of intolerance,” stressing that Benue people are known for hospitality and respect.
“This is not Benue. This is not our culture. Mr. Peter Obi came in a moment of grief to identify with victims of tragedy. His visit should have been received with civility and respect,” the statement read.
The APC urged the Igbo community in Benue not to hold the party responsible for the incident, insisting that political violence was alien to the state’s history. It warned against the resurgence of thuggery under the Alia administration, recalling that the party had worked to dismantle such practices since 2015.
The statement further emphasised that the APC would not rely on intimidation or violence to win the 2027 elections, but rather on persuasion, structures, and the ballot box.
The party demanded that Governor Alia apologise to Obi, President Bola Tinubu, the people of Benue, and the APC for conduct that could tarnish the party’s image.
“Political differences are legitimate; political violence is not. Benue deserves better,” the statement concluded.