Keyamo Condemns Protest Blockade Against Peter Obi, Calls for Fair Democracy

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has strongly criticized the blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi by protesters in Benue State, labeling the act as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Commenting on the event, Keyamo stressed that the disruption of Obi’s scheduled visit should be condemned regardless of the political reasons or affiliations behind it. He stated, “Whether the protest stemmed from internal disputes within the NDC, as suggested by the Benue State Government, or was orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other opposing party, such actions have no place in our democracy.”

Responding to claims that Obi’s visit to Yelwata—a community recently affected by attacks—was politically motivated and triggered local hostility, Keyamo maintained that political disagreements do not justify limiting freedom of movement. “That remains unacceptable; everyone must be free to move and engage in politics without such crude disruptions,” he asserted.

Keyamo also criticized what he described as biased media coverage of political clashes, noting that when opposition parties are involved, the press often labels incidents as attacks by “sponsored thugs” or “hoodlums.” He pointed out that opposition leaders have previously warned that APC candidates might face hostility in certain areas, yet such warnings received little media attention.

He emphasized, “What applies to one side should apply equally to the other. The media must shed partisanship and report fairly on all parties.”

Finally, Keyamo urged political supporters to reject election violence and encouraged voters dissatisfied with any candidate to express their discontent through constitutional means at the polls. “If anyone is upset with a candidate, they should show it with their vote on election day, not through violent acts during campaigns,” he concluded.