ADC Unable To Access Governor For 3 Days, Peter Obi Speaks On Botched Benue Trip

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate has issued a detailed statement regarding the disruption of his planned visit to Benue State.

Obi expressed his frustration with the events that unfolded around his trip, while reinforcing his commitment to aiding vulnerable communities.

In the statement, Obi explained that, under normal circumstances, he would not have commented on such an issue. He acknowledged that he has faced far worse challenges in his political life but emphasized that this situation demanded a response. “Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now,” Obi wrote.

Obi’s visit to Benue was part of a larger plan to visit both Benue and Plateau states on April 13th and 14th, 2025. His trip included planned courtesy calls to the governors and visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and nursing schools to express his support for those in need. He successfully coordinated his visit with Plateau State officials, who welcomed his intention to visit the IDP camp in Bokkos and offered him full support. Obi highlighted his purpose, stating, “I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need.”

However, Obi faced difficulties when attempting to engage with the Benue State Governor. Despite his repeated attempts to contact the governor directly, Obi was unable to make any headway. He was then informed by the governor’s ADC that the governor was in an important meeting and would return his call later. Obi noted that it was “disturbing” that the ADC could not reach the governor for three days. “I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days,” he remarked.

Despite the communication breakdown, Obi decided to continue with his planned trip to Makurdi, out of respect for the governor. However, while en route, his security team intercepted a press statement from the Benue State Government that seemed to discourage his visit. The statement, which mentioned Obi’s itinerary, was forwarded directly to Obi by the governor’s ADC. This unexpected development left Obi perplexed, as the contents of the statement mirrored the details he had previously shared with the ADC. “While I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me,” Obi shared.

Obi was quick to emphasize that his visit was not politically motivated but was instead driven by his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes. He outlined his intentions: “The purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.”

He also recalled a significant moment from his earlier career, when he had to seek permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan to visit Haiti during the 2010 earthquake. This moment, Obi said, demonstrated his commitment to humanitarian work beyond the political sphere. “I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake,” he reflected.

Obi’s visit to Benue was to include a tour of a nursing school, a school being built by a bishop in Gboko, and an IDP camp. He emphasized that these actions were a reflection of his genuine care and compassion for the welfare of displaced citizens. “I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school, and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care, and compassion to citizens who have been displaced,” Obi affirmed.

In his conclusion, Obi stressed the importance of a leadership that places the common good above political divisions, a theme he has often emphasized in his political platform. He urged Nigerians to focus on supporting the less privileged and refrain from politicizing humanitarian efforts. “May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need. A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi said.

Peter Obi’s statement reflects his ongoing commitment to public service and humanitarian work, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures in their efforts to serve the common good. Despite the obstacles in Benue, Obi’s determination to support displaced persons and communities in need remains unwavering.

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