Aisha Yesufu Peter Obi controversy grows after the activist condemns the blockade of Obi’s convoy in Benue and defends his right to campaign
Makurdi, Benue State, September 8, 2026: Aisha Yesufu, human rights activist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the reported blockade of presidential candidate Peter Obi’s movement in Benue State, insisting that no individual or group has the right to prevent a political candidate from travelling or campaigning in any part of Nigeria.
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Yesufu reacted on Tuesday after Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped while he was attempting to reach Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area that was devastated by a deadly attack in June 2025.
The incident has generated political controversy, with Obi saying his visit was intended to allow him to sympathise with victims and their families rather than conduct a campaign.
Reports said youths blocked the road as Obi’s convoy approached the community, with videos of the confrontation subsequently circulating on social media.
Reacting to the development, Yesufu questioned how anyone could legitimately restrict a candidate’s movement during the electoral season.
“How dare anybody stop anyone from moving to any part of the country to campaign?” she said.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared that campaign has started. How can someone stop another from doing whatever it is that they need to do?”
Yesufu’s intervention comes amid conflicting accounts over the circumstances surrounding Obi’s visit.
The NDC has alleged that suspected thugs obstructed Obi’s convoy and prevented him from entering Yelwata.
The party has also called for an investigation into the incident and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of political candidates and citizens.
Obi said he travelled to Benue to mourn with families affected by the killings and listen to residents who continue to grapple with the consequences of the violence.
The former Anambra State governor has previously maintained that political leaders have a responsibility to visit communities affected by insecurity and engage directly with victims.
The Benue State Government, however, has denied responsibility for the obstruction and said it was not aware of Obi’s visit beforehand.
Government officials have questioned why the state authorities were not notified so that appropriate security arrangements could be made.
The police have confirmed that Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths and said an investigation was underway to establish what led to the incident.
The controversy comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election, is now seeking the presidency under the NDC.
For Yesufu, the issue extends beyond Obi’s political affiliation.
Her argument centres on the principle that Nigerians and political candidates should be able to move freely and engage with communities without intimidation or unlawful obstruction.
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The incident has consequently added another contentious episode to the emerging 2027 political landscape, where tensions between competing political interests are likely to receive increasing scrutiny as campaigns gather pace.
