The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Development Party (NNDP), Peter Obi, has spoken out after his convoy was reportedly blocked by a mob in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Obi and his entourage had just arrived in the state capital and were on their way to their destination when demonstrators reportedly intercepted the convoy along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base.

A video of the incident circulating on social media showed the crowd occupying the road and chanting, “We nor want Obi,” while armed security personnel were seen at the scene.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Obi dismissed suggestions that his visit to Benue was politically motivated, explaining that he travelled to the state to commiserate with members of a community affected by a recent attack.

“All I can say is that we have no other country except this one, and we will all build it based on unity, love, and a shared sense of doing the right thing,” Obi said.

He added, “Today, I am in Benue, not for a campaign. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, condole with them, and show solidarity with them.”

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over what he described as the extent to which politics has deteriorated in the country.

“You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated,” he said.

Obi also recalled his participation in the launch of an APM office the previous day, where he said he appealed to Nigerians and political actors to embrace a more peaceful and inclusive political culture ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“That was why yesterday, I joined the APM family together with their presidential candidate in launching its office, and I used that to plead with people: let our next politics be a politics of unity, of love, justice, and a shared sense of being safe,” he said.