A recent incident in Makurdi, Benue State, has sparked intense political debate after a group of armed individuals mounted a roadblock to halt the convoy of Labour Party leader Peter Obi.

 

Addressing reporters following the event, NDC candidate Onjeh clarified the purpose of the trip and condemned the attempt to frame the confrontation as a genuine public protest.

 

**A Humanitarian Mission, Not a Political Rally**

 

According to Onjeh, Obi’s visit to Benue was strictly focused on humanitarian outreach following recent violence in the region, rather than campaign activities.

 

"This was not a campaign visit. Peter Obi did not want noise. He did not want fanfare," Onjeh explained. "If we wanted a political reception, we would have announced his coming, mobilised our members and supporters, and Makurdi would have known that he was coming."

 

The delegation intended to travel to Yelwata to meet displaced persons, commiserate with affected families, and offer support to survivors. However, a roadblock mounted near the airport exit prevented the convoy from reaching its destination or interacting with local residents.

 

**Reframing the Narrative: "Thuggery Is Not Democracy"**

 

Onjeh rejected claims that the group behind the obstruction represented the local population, noting that the crowd consisted largely of older men in their 40s and 50s rather than genuine youth protesters. He urged political commentators and media outlets to stop mislabeling the attackers as "Benue youths."

 

"Do not speak for Benue youths with stones. Do not speak for them with sticks. Do not speak for them with a barricade," Onjeh stated. "Allow them to speak for themselves."

 

**A Warning Against Normalizing Political Violence**

 

Emphasizing the long-term dangers of political violence, Onjeh warned that condoning hostile tactics against opposition figures sets a dangerous precedent for all political actors.

 

"Today it is Peter Obi. Tomorrow it could be the candidate of another political party. If we normalise thuggery simply because its immediate target is somebody we do not support, eventually nobody will be safe from the monster we have created," he warned.

 

**Key Takeaways**

 

* **The Vote Over Violence:** Democratic choice must be expressed through the ballot box, not physical intimidation or roadblocks.

* **Protecting Civic Space:** Allowing partisan groups to block freedom of movement threatens political participation for all parties.

* **Distinguishing Protest from Disruptive Tactics:** Political leaders must condemn violent interventions regardless of who the target is.