Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has come out guns blazing, pointing fingers directly at incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia over the shocking blockade that stopped Labour Party’s Peter Obi from setting foot in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
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The political tension in Benue State just got hotter than a Lagos afternoon, as former Governor Samuel Ortom has openly accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of being the mastermind behind the mobilisation of thugs who physically prevented former presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
What Happened in Yelwata?
In a move that has left many Nigerians shaking their heads, a gang of thugs reportedly descended on the area and created a dangerous blockade, making it impossible for the Labour Party flag bearer and his entourage to access the community. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with many questioning what democracy truly means when opposition figures cannot freely move around and engage with communities.
For those who may not be familiar, Yelwata and the broader Guma Local Government Area have been flashpoints of farmer-herder conflicts over the years — communities that have suffered greatly and deserve attention from leaders across party lines, not political interference and intimidation.
Ortom Speaks — No Sugarcoating
The former governor, known for never mincing his words, reportedly condemned the blockade in the strongest possible terms, laying the blame squarely at the doorstep of Governor Alia. According to Ortom, the orchestrated attempt to stop Obi’s visit was a deliberate act of political suppression — the kind of dirty politics that sets Nigerian democracy two steps backward every time it rears its head.
Ortom’s accusation carries significant weight, especially considering his familiarity with the internal workings of Benue State politics. As a man who governed the state for eight years, he understands better than most how power is wielded in that region.
Why This Matters to Every Nigerian
Let’s call a spade a spade — this kind of incident is not new in Nigerian politics, but it doesn’t mean we should fold our arms and accept it as normal. When thugs are allegedly sponsored by those in power to silence political opponents or prevent them from reaching ordinary Nigerians, it is a direct attack on the very foundation of our democracy.
Peter Obi, whether you voted for him or not, commands a massive following across Nigeria — from the Obidient movement in Lagos to supporters in the North and the Southeast. Blocking his access to communities is not just a personal affront to him; it is a slap in the face of every Nigerian who believes in free political expression.
The Bigger Picture
This incident fits into a troubling pattern that Nigerians have seen play out time and again — incumbents using state apparatus or sponsored groups to intimidate opposition figures and their supporters. It raises serious questions:
– Where was security? Were law enforcement agencies on ground, and if so, why was the blockade allowed to stand?
– What does this mean for future elections in Benue? If opposition candidates cannot freely campaign or visit communities, how do we ensure a level playing field?
– Will there be accountability? Governor Alia is yet to publicly respond to Ortom’s accusations.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Governor Alia’s camp is yet to issue a formal response to Ortom’s damning allegations. The silence, as they say, can be deafening.
Nigerians — especially those in Benue State — will be watching closely to see how this political drama unfolds. One thing is certain: with voices like Ortom speaking out, this matter is far from over.
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Stay with us for updates as this story develops. Drop your thoughts in the comments — do you think political thuggery is getting worse in Nigeria, or are we finally seeing more people speak up against it?
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