Yelwata visit: NLC condemns Peter Obi’s convoy blockade in Benue

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the reported denial of access to Yelwata, Benue State, to the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, warning that growing political intolerance and violence pose a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Obi had reportedly sought to enter the community to pay tribute to victims of a past massacre and commiserate with families affected by the killings but was prevented from gaining access to the area.

Reacting to the incident, NLC spokesperson, Comrade Benson Upah, expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of intolerance towards alternative political views across the country.

“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.

The NLC spokesman said such intolerance was “unhelpful, unnecessary and unacceptable,” warning that Nigerians should not allow political differences to degenerate into violence or attempts to suppress opposing voices.

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Upah said those promoting intolerance must be stopped, stressing that the country’s democracy was secured through sacrifices that should not be undermined by political violence.

“Those driving this agenda of intolerance must be halted in their tracks. They have no idea how this democracy was won!” he said.

He urged political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and focus on issues and competing ideas rather than partisan hostility.

“We call on all to eschew violence. Play politics of issues, not crude and unguided partisanship without vision,” Upah said.

According to him, Nigeria’s status as a multi-party democracy places an obligation on politicians and citizens alike to tolerate divergent political opinions and allow competing political forces to participate freely in the democratic process.

The NLC’s reaction comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants increasingly stepping up mobilisation and engagements across the country.

Yelwata, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, has previously witnessed deadly attacks, making the community a significant reference point in discussions around insecurity, displacement and the plight of victims of violence in the state.

Obi’s reported attempt to visit the community to mourn with affected families and pay tribute to victims has therefore raised broader questions about political tolerance and the ability of political actors to freely engage communities across the country.

For the labour centre, however, the concern goes beyond the individual incident, with the NLC warning that political differences must not become grounds for violence, exclusion or suppression of alternative viewpoints.

Upah stressed that Nigeria should demonstrate to other countries that political disagreements could be managed through democratic and peaceful means.

“Nigeria should be an example to other nations,” he said.