- The Governorship Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, has raised concerns over an alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government to disrupt the planned visit of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.
Shija raised the alarm on Tuesday during a press conference in Makurdi, ahead of Obi’s scheduled visit to Benue on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
He described the visit as both humanitarian and political, disclosing that Obi would visit Yelewata community, where about 271 people were reportedly killed in a deadly attack approximately a year ago.
According to Shija, the former Anambra State governor would lay a wreath at the cenotaph erected in honour of the victims along Lafia Road and offer condolences to their bereaved families.
He clarified that Obi would not visit any government facility or Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp but would proceed to the Multipurpose Hall of the Mission House, behind the Benue Links headquarters in Wurukum, Makurdi, for a town-hall meeting with residents.
The NDC governorship candidate called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, students, women, youths, labour unions and other residents to attend the meeting and engage directly with the presidential candidate.
However, Shija alleged that the state government was uncomfortable with Obi’s visit and had threatened to frustrate his planned engagements, particularly his proposed visit to Yelewata.
He recalled an earlier attempt by Obi to visit the community, which he claimed was disrupted by political thugs allegedly associated with the slogan, “No Alia, No Benue”, describing the incident as a national embarrassment.
Shija warned against any attempt to obstruct the visit, insisting that no individual or government had the authority to deny citizens their constitutional rights.
He consequently appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide adequate security for Obi and his supporters throughout their engagements in Makurdi and Yelewata.
While condemning any possible attempt at intimidation, Shija assured that the NDC would not resort to violence or take the law into its hands.
Beyond the planned visit, the NDC governorship candidate also unveiled his proposed Rescue and Reset Agenda, which he said would focus on tackling insecurity, reviving Benue’s economy and harnessing the state’s agricultural and mineral resources.
He lamented persistent attacks on rural communities, destruction of livelihoods and the displacement of residents, noting that insecurity had continued to create serious humanitarian and economic challenges across several local government areas.
As part of his economic development proposals, Shija identified mineral deposits such as limestone, gold, lithium, lead, zinc, coal, gypsum, bauxite and bitumen as resources that could significantly transform the state’s economy if properly explored and managed.
He also highlighted the commercial potential of River Benue and River Katsina-Ala, proposing dredging, inland waterways and river ports to improve transportation and boost economic activities.
Other projects outlined in his agenda include the construction of an airport, railway lines, improved urban and rural roads, a new University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, agro-allied industries and modern security surveillance infrastructure.
Shija further proposed a comprehensive review of Makurdi’s capital city master plan, with a 30-year vision of transforming the state capital into an Olympic City.
He expressed optimism that the NDC manifesto and an anticipated Peter Obi presidency from 2027 would provide the political and economic foundation for implementing the proposed development initiatives.
The NDC candidate maintained that Benue could reclaim its position as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse while emerging as a major destination for mineral investment, tourism and industrial development.
He concluded by welcoming Obi to the state, describing him as a leader whose political philosophy represents integrity, transparency, compassion and national renewal.
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