ABUJA — Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate and 2027 NDC Delta Central Senatorial District candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the reported obstruction of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from visiting Yelwata in Benue State to commiserate with victims of violence.
Omo-Agege, in a statement dated September 8, 2026, described the alleged incident as a “national disgrace” and expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of grief and public compassion.
According to him, Obi travelled to Yelwata to meet residents affected by violence, mourn with families who lost loved ones and offer solidarity to a community facing a devastating tragedy.
Omo-Agege said reports that Obi encountered organised hostility that prevented him from reaching the grieving community were unacceptable and should not be treated as a mere political disagreement.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged obstruction, asking what kind of politics would make it necessary for a political leader to obtain permission before visiting a community to mourn with victims of violence.
“There is nothing political about preventing grieving families from receiving visitors who come to share their pain,” Omo-Agege said, while calling for those responsible for the alleged obstruction to be held accountable.
The former senator further argued that even if Obi had visited the community for political purposes, his constitutional rights to freedom of movement and association should be respected.
He stressed, however, that Obi’s reported purpose for visiting Yelwata was to offer condolences, adding that “no one should need a party card to mourn with the bereaved.”
Omo-Agege urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, including determining who allegedly organised and financed the obstruction and whether security agencies were aware of the situation.
He also demanded answers on whether any instructions were issued to those involved and what actions, if any, were taken by security personnel at the scene.
The NDC Delta Central senatorial candidate warned that the alleged incident should concern Nigerians across political divides, arguing that the normalisation of intimidation as a tool of political control could ultimately affect political leaders, communities and victims of violence irrespective of their affiliations.
He maintained that the tragedy in Yelwata should not be regarded as the property of any political party, stressing that the victims and their families deserved the solidarity of all Nigerians.
“Politics will come and go. Elections will come and go. Politicians will come and go. But the dead will remain dead, and the families left behind will continue to live with their pain,” Omo-Agege said.
He called for greater emphasis on humanity, human dignity and compassion in responding to tragedies, while urging that those found responsible for any act of intimidation be held accountable.
Omo-Agege concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims, survivors and grieving families of Yelwata and prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for the people of Benue State.
