NLC condemns reported blockage of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage over the alleged obstruction of Peter Obi's motorcade attempting to enter Yelwata in Benue State. Obi, the presidential hopeful for the New Democratic Congress, was said to have intended to pay respects to victims of a historical massacre and console affected families. However, he reportedly faced barriers to accessing the area.

In response, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah highlighted the escalating intolerance towards differing political opinions in Nigeria. "We are deeply troubled by the surge in instances of political unrest across the nation, indicating a lack of tolerance for contrasting viewpoints. Yet, we operate within a multi-party democracy," Upah stated.

He deemed the mounting intolerance as "unproductive, unnecessary, and unjustifiable," cautioning that political disagreements should not result in violence or attempts to muzzle opposing voices. Upah also appealed to those perpetuating political intolerance to cease, emphasizing that Nigeria's democracy was earned through tremendous sacrifices.

"The individuals driving this intolerance must be stopped; they are unaware of how this democracy was forged," he remarked. Upah urged all political figures and supporters to engage in peaceful political discourse, focusing on policies and ideas rather than hostility. He emphasized that Nigeria's multi-party system demands politicians and citizens to respect varied perspectives and permit all political entities to participate freely.

This stance emerged as political activities intensify in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, with parties and candidates ramping up campaigns and mobilization nationwide. Yelwata has a history of deadly attacks, serving as a stark emblem of the insecurity, displacement, and suffering caused by violence in Benue State. Upah cautioned against perceiving the incident solely through Obi's lens, stressing that political disputes should never serve as a justification for violence, exclusion, or suppression of opposing views.