The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, from entering Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Obi was reportedly on his way to the community to honour victims of a previous massacre and sympathise with families affected by the killings when his convoy was allegedly stopped from gaining access to the area.
Reacting to the development, the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, expressed concern over what he described as the growing intolerance of opposing political views in the country.
Upah said the reported incident was part of a worrying trend of political violence and intolerance, stressing that Nigeria operates a multi-party democracy in which differing views are constitutionally protected.
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“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,” he said.
The NLC spokesman described the development as “unhelpful, unnecessary and unacceptable,” warning that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or attempts to suppress opposing voices.
He urged those promoting political intolerance to desist, stressing that the country’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,” Upah said.
He also called on politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and focus 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,” he added.
Upah said the NLC’s concern extended beyond Obi’s experience, noting that political differences should never be used as grounds for violence, exclusion or the suppression of opposing opinions.
The NLC’s reaction comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and their candidates intensify mobilisation across the country.