The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the reported blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi by suspected thugs during his visit to Benue State.
Keyamo described the incident as unacceptable in a democracy, stressing that politicians should be free to travel, campaign and engage with citizens without intimidation or violence.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday when protesters attacked Obi’s convoy and prevented him from reaching the venue of his planned visit in Benue.
Keyamo said the circumstances behind the protest—whether linked to internal disagreements within the NDC, as suggested by the Benue State Government, or allegedly sponsored by the APC or another opposition party—should not justify violence or interference with democratic freedoms.
He also rejected claims that Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, where scores of people were killed in a deadly attack in 2025, was politically motivated.
According to Keyamo, even if the visit was politically motivated, that would not justify preventing a presidential candidate from moving freely.
The minister further criticised what he described as partisan reporting by sections of the media, accusing some outlets of describing confrontations involving APC politicians as evidence of “rejection” while portraying similar incidents involving opposition politicians as attacks by “sponsored thugs” or “hoodlums.”
Keyamo urged journalists and media organisations to maintain neutrality and apply the same standards when reporting political activities involving all parties.
He maintained that political grievances should be expressed through democratic means rather than violence, urging supporters to use their ballot papers—not physical confrontation—to express their anger during elections.
