The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for ensuring he received a warm welcome during his recent visit to the state.
Obi described the governor’s gesture as an example of statesmanship, political maturity and mutual respect, despite their differences in political affiliations.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday while recounting his activities during his visit to Benue State.
According to Obi, he contacted Governor Alia before arriving in the state, and the governor personally returned his call to assure him of a warm reception.
He said the gesture demonstrated the importance of putting humanity and mutual respect above political differences.
Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday for a town hall meeting as part of their engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
During the visit, Obi travelled to Gboko, where he paid a courtesy visit to the Tor Tiv and met with the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. Father William Avenya.
He also visited the College of Nursing Sciences established under the bishop’s leadership, where he pledged an additional N10 million to support the institution.
Peter Obi Donates N25 Million During Yelwata Visit
The NDC presidential candidate subsequently visited Yelwata community to sympathise with families affected by the massacre.
During the visit, Obi announced N5 million for the construction of a borehole to improve access to clean water in the community.
He also pledged another N10 million to support the education of children orphaned by the attack.
Obi described the situation confronting the affected children as distressing, stressing that the tragedy should not determine their future.
“No child should be forced to let the tragedy that has affected their family determine the course of their future,” he said.
The former governor acknowledged that financial contributions could not bring back those who lost their lives but maintained that there was a responsibility to provide support and opportunities for survivors.
“Education must continue to serve as a bridge to a brighter future for these children,” he stated.
Obi, Kwankwaso Attend NDC Town Hall Meeting in Benue
Obi and Kwankwaso later attended a town hall meeting alongside other NDC candidates in Benue State.
Explaining the importance of the engagements, Obi said they provided an opportunity to listen to Nigerians and understand the challenges confronting different communities.
“We are firmly of the view that leadership begins with listening and must ultimately be judged by the meaningful difference it makes in people’s lives,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Benue State for their hospitality throughout the visit.
“May God continue to bless Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Obi added.
Previous Benue Visit Faced Disruption
Obi’s latest visit comes months after an earlier trip to Benue State in September, when he visited to sympathise with families and communities affected by the Yelwata massacre.
During that visit, some youths reportedly blocked his movement and prevented him from proceeding with his journey.
His latest remarks about Governor Alia’s personal intervention highlight the reception he received during the recent visit, despite the political differences between them.