The Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, a coalition of leaders and stakeholders drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his recent visit to Benue State.
The group, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Dominic Alancha, alleged that thugs mobilised by agents of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia attacked and harassed Obi during his visit to communities affected by the Yelwata massacre.
Obi had visited the state to sympathise with families and communities affected by the violence.
Describing the alleged incident as “executive lawlessness at its worst,” the alliance said the reported treatment of Obi was inconsistent with Benue’s reputation for peace and hospitality.
“Peter Obi came to Benue to sympathise with families and communities devastated by the Yelwata massacre. Instead of compassion and hospitality, he was reportedly met with thuggery and intimidation,” the statement said.
The group said political differences should not be used to justify violence or prevent political opponents from visiting any part of the state.
It urged the Alia administration not to equate control of government with ownership of the state, insisting that “Benue belongs to its people, not to any individual or political clique.”
According to the alliance, political contests should be determined through democratic engagement rather than intimidation.
“Elections are won through engagement, persuasion, credible structures, and the ballot box—not through thugs, threats, or intimidation,” it said.
The group also called on Nigerians and democratic stakeholders to condemn what it described as a disturbing development and ensure that citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, are able to move freely and exercise their constitutional rights.
It said the use of government power to intimidate citizens or suppress legitimate political activities was unacceptable in a democracy.
The alliance further reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising across party lines for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, saying political differences should be resolved through dialogue, persuasion and participation.
It expressed optimism that a change of administration through the ballot box would restore what it described as the principles of “law, order, tolerance, accountability, and responsible governance” in Benue.
The statement concluded with a call for an end to political violence and intimidation, declaring: “Enough of executive lawlessness. Enough of political thuggery. Enough of intimidation. Benue belongs to its people.”
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