The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for ensuring he received a warm welcome during his visit to the state.

Obi said Alia personally returned his call and assured him of a warm reception ahead of the visit, describing the gesture as an example of statesmanship and mutual respect despite political differences.

The former Anambra State governor disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday while recounting his activities during the visit to Benue State.

Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, arrived in Makurdi, the 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.

The NDC presidential candidate subsequently visited Yelwata community to sympathise with families affected by the massacre.

He announced N5 million for the construction of a borehole to improve access to clean water and another N10 million to support the education of children orphaned by the attack.

Obi described the plight of the affected children as distressing, stressing the need to prevent the tragedy from determining their future.

“No child should be forced to let the tragedy that has affected their family determine the course of their future,” he said.

He added that although financial contributions could not restore the lives lost, there was a responsibility to provide support and opportunities for the survivors.

“Education must continue to serve as a bridge to a brighter future for these children,” he stated.

Obi and Kwankwaso later attended a town hall meeting alongside other NDC candidates in Benue State.

Explaining the importance of the engagements, the former governor said they provided an opportunity to listen to Nigerians and understand the challenges confronting their 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.

Expressing appreciation to Alia, Obi disclosed that he had contacted the governor before arriving in the state and received a personal return call.

He said the governor assured him that he would receive a warm welcome, describing the gesture as a demonstration of political maturity.

“This exemplifies the true essence of statesmanship: placing humanity and mutual respect above political differences,” Obi stated.

He also thanked the people of Benue State for their hospitality, adding, “May God continue to bless Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Recall that in September, when Obi visited Benue State to sympathise with families and communities affected by the Yelwata massacre, some youths reportedly blocked his movement and prevented him from proceeding with his journey.