The Alia apology over Peter Obi Benue attack has become a fresh political issue in Benue State, with an APC faction demanding that Governor Hyacinth Alia apologise over the reported disruption of Obi’s visit.
The APC faction, associated with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, condemned the reported obstruction of Obi’s convoy while he was travelling towards Makurdi on Tuesday.
According to the group, the incident could negatively affect the reputation of the APC and should not be allowed to become linked with the party.
Obi had travelled to Benue to commiserate with families and communities affected by the deadly Yelwata massacre. His movement was reportedly disrupted by individuals described as suspected political thugs.
The development subsequently generated criticism, with the Benue State Government and Obi’s camp offering different accounts of what happened.
The state government said it was unaware of the former Anambra State governor’s visit. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said the administration had not received prior notification of Obi’s arrival.
Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, had also questioned the circumstances surrounding the visit and rejected suggestions that the governor had any connection with political thugs.
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However, the APC faction said the explanation was not enough to excuse what happened.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the party’s state publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, said the reported incident was contrary to Benue’s traditional reputation for welcoming visitors.
Ihomun argued that Obi deserved to be received with respect because his purpose for visiting the state was to stand with victims of a major tragedy.
The group further alleged that the administration had either authorised or supported the deployment of thugs, describing such conduct as political intolerance. The allegation has not been independently established.
The faction also appealed to members of the Igbo community in Benue not to view the incident as the official position of the APC, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
It maintained that political violence should have no place in the party’s activities and rejected any attempt to use the incident to create tension between the APC and the Igbo community in the state.
The group also highlighted the APC’s history in Benue, claiming that the party had worked to reduce political thuggery after taking control of the state in 2015.
It said the party would not rely on intimidation or violence to pursue victory in the 2027 elections, insisting that its campaign would be based on political structures, persuasion and support from voters.
The faction therefore called on Governor Alia to publicly separate his administration from the incident and apologise to those it believes were affected.
It specifically demanded apologies to Peter Obi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Benue State and the APC.
The group stressed that while political disagreements were normal in a democratic system, violence and intimidation were unacceptable.
“Political differences are legitimate, political violence is not. Benue deserves better,” the statement concluded.