Peter Obi Benue Visit: Commissioner Says Obi Ignored State Protocol

September 8, 2026 3 Min Read

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has accused former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi of ignoring established state protocol ahead of his visit to Benue.

Iorpev made the statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, while reacting to an incident in which some youths reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy during his movement in the state.

According to the commissioner, Obi’s status as a former governor and prominent political figure meant that the Benue State Government should have been officially informed of his arrival so that adequate security arrangements could be made.

Benue Commissioner Explains Why Peter Obi’s Visit Became a Concern

Iorpev said the state government was expected to provide security and protection for a high-profile visitor such as Obi.

However, he claimed that Obi did not officially notify the government before arriving in the state.

The commissioner argued that the absence of prior communication made it difficult for the state authorities to guarantee the former governor’s safety during the visit.

He further suggested that the situation was not an isolated incident, alleging that Obi had previously visited the state without following the expected notification process.

The comments came after reports emerged that youths had blocked Obi’s convoy on a Benue road.

Why Was Peter Obi’s Convoy Blocked in Benue?

The circumstances surrounding the road blockage have generated political attention, with different accounts emerging about what happened.

Iorpev said he could not identify the youths involved in the incident. However, he noted that Obi’s visit coincided with a meeting involving youths from Benue’s 23 local government areas.

According to the commissioner, the youths could have been travelling from different parts of the state, including Tarka, Gboko, Buruku, Ushongo, Konshisha and Vandeikya.

He described the situation as unfortunate but maintained that the government was not responsible for the incident.

The incident has also prompted a response from Peter Obi, who reportedly described the people who obstructed his movement as “hired thugs.”

What Did Solomon Iorpev Say About Peter Obi?

The Benue commissioner’s central argument is that political figures and other high-profile visitors should formally notify the host state before arriving.

He said such notification allows the government and security agencies to make the necessary arrangements for the visitor’s protection.

Iorpev also described Benue as a peaceful and hospitable state, while distancing the government from the youths who allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy.

His comments therefore place emphasis on security protocol and communication between visiting political figures and state authorities.

Peter Obi and the 2027 Political Landscape

The incident comes as political activities surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 general elections continue to attract national attention.

Peter Obi remains one of the country’s prominent opposition figures and has continued to maintain a significant political following since his 2023 presidential campaign.

Developments involving Obi are therefore likely to attract considerable attention, particularly as political parties and potential candidates position themselves ahead of the next presidential election.

For broader updates on Nigerian politics, readers can follow the politics section of PUNCH Newspapers.

What Happens Next?

The Benue incident is likely to generate further discussion about political visits, security arrangements and the responsibilities of both visitors and host governments.

While the Benue Government has raised concerns about the alleged failure to notify authorities, the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of Obi’s convoy remain a separate issue that may require further clarification from those directly involved.

For now, the commissioner has maintained that the state government did not organise the youths who blocked Obi’s movement and that the incident occurred during a gathering involving youths from across the state.

Key Takeaways

Benue Information Commissioner Solomon Iorpev accused Peter Obi of failing to officially notify the state government before his visit.
The commissioner said prior notification would have allowed the government to make adequate security arrangements.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by youths during his movement in Benue.
Iorpev said he did not know the youths responsible for the obstruction.
The commissioner said Obi’s visit coincided with a meeting of youths from Benue’s 23 local government areas.
The incident has added to political discussions surrounding Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 elections.

Source: PUNCH Newspapers’ original report