Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of being behind the reported blockade that prevented presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area. Ortom made the claim while speaking on a television programme on Wednesday.

He condemned the incident and described it as a violation of the rule of law. Ortom said the restriction of Obi’s movement was wrong, especially since the visit was meant to sympathise with victims of deadly attacks in the area.

The former governor challenged Alia to swear by the Bible that he was unaware of what happened. He alleged that the action was deliberate and pointed to what he described as a pattern of disregard for the rule of law in the state.

Ortom stressed that his comments were not an endorsement of Obi but a defence of the right of Nigerians and political candidates to move freely across the country. He said it was wrong to prevent anyone from visiting communities to offer support to victims of violence.

Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible. He said the incident raised concerns about democratic order ahead of the 2027 elections and urged relevant authorities to intervene.

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