The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the reported blockage of Peter Obi’s convoy from entering Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), had reportedly planned to visit the community to honour victims of a past massacre and sympathise with families affected by the killings.
However, he was allegedly stopped from accessing the area.
Reacting to the incident, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah expressed concern over what he described as increasing intolerance towards opposing political views in Nigeria.
“We are alarmed by the rising cases of political violence across the country reflective of intolerance of alternative views. Yet, we run a multi-party democracy. The constitution guarantees this,” Upah said.
He described the growing intolerance as “unhelpful, unnecessary and unacceptable”, warning that political disagreements should not lead to violence or efforts to silence opposing voices.
Upah also called on those encouraging political intolerance to stop, noting that Nigeria’s democracy was achieved through significant sacrifices.
“Those driving this agenda of intolerance must be halted in their tracks. They have no idea how this democracy was won,” he said.
The NLC spokesman urged politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement and concentrate on policies and ideas rather than hostility.
“We call on all to eschew violence. Play politics of issues, not crude and unguided partisanship without vision,” Upah said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s multi-party system requires politicians and citizens to respect different opinions and allow all political groups to participate freely.
The NLC’s position comes as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and their candidates stepping up campaigns and mobilisation across the country.
Yelwata has previously suffered deadly attacks and has become a major symbol of the insecurity, displacement and suffering caused by violence in Benue State.
Upah said the incident should be viewed beyond Obi’s case, warning that political differences must never become a reason for violence, exclusion or suppression of opposing views.
