The Labour Party has urged President Bola Tinubu to take action against governors whose conduct could undermine democracy and constitutional rights, following the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue.
The Labour Party (LP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take action against governors whose actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional rights.
The party made the call while condemning the blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to Benue State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Ken Eluma Asogwa, described the incident as “shameful” and disturbing, warning that unchecked political intimidation could further threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi’s convoy was blocked by a group of youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway on Tuesday while he was travelling to Yelwata community to sympathise with families and victims affected by the June 2025 attacks.
The incident forced Obi to abandon the journey and return to the airport under police escort. The Benue State Police Command subsequently said it launched an investigation into the obstruction.
Asogwa said the situation would be even more troubling if allegations that those involved in the blockade were sponsored by the Benue State Government were eventually established.
He questioned how a Reverend Father, who preached morality, could allegedly be associated with political violence, while warning about the potential consequences of similar conduct by other political leaders.
The Labour Party, however, did not present evidence establishing the involvement of Governor Hyacinth Alia or the Benue State Government in the blockade.
The Benue State Government has repeatedly denied involvement, insisting that it neither deployed nor sponsored thugs to obstruct Obi’s movement.
According to Asogwa, political differences must not become a licence for violence, intimidation or the suppression of citizens’ fundamental rights.
He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of movement to every citizen, regardless of tribe, political affiliation or religion.
The Labour Party also expressed concern over what it described as attempts to restrict political participation and citizens’ rights to move freely and express their opinions without fear.
“We call on the authorities to protect citizens’ rights to move freely, express political opinions and participate in public activities without fear,” Asogwa stated.
He said democracy depended on respect for constitutional rights, the rule of law and the freedom of citizens to participate in legitimate political activities.
The party urged President Tinubu and relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that political rivalry did not degenerate into intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Labour Party also pledged to continue condemning what it described as attempts to weaponise state power against political opponents and undermine democratic freedoms.
Meanwhile, the controversy over the Benue blockade remains under investigation. The police have confirmed that Obi’s movement was obstructed but have not publicly established responsibility for organising the incident, while the Benue State Government continues to deny the allegations against it.
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