The Labour Party(LP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in state governors, warning that alleged attempts to intimidate political opponents could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party made the call while condemning the reported blockade of Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, during his recent visit to Benue State.
In a statement on Thursday, the LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, described the alleged incident as “shameful” and warned that political violence, if allowed to continue, could undermine the democratic process.
The party also alleged that the youths involved in the incident were sponsored by the Benue State Government, but stressed that the claim should be established.
“If the allegation that the miscreants who perpetrated this absurdity were sponsored by the Governor of the State is true, it makes the situation even more frightening,” the statement said.
The LP urged Tinubu to act before similar incidents spread across the country, saying political disagreements must not be allowed to become a justification for violence or intimidation.
It argued that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Constitution and should apply to every Nigerian regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.
The party particularly criticised what it described as the alleged harassment of Obi while he was on a humanitarian mission in the state.
It questioned why a governor who is constitutionally regarded as the chief security officer of the state would allegedly allow political confrontation to overshadow the security challenges facing Benue.
“Political differences should never become a licence for violence, intimidation or the suppression of the fundamental rights of Nigerians,” the LP said.
According to the party, democracy can only survive when citizens are free to move, express political opinions and participate in public activities without fear of harassment.
The Labour Party said it would continue to oppose what it described as attempts to weaponise state power against political opponents.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, constitutional rights and the rule of law.