WordStage– The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has issued strong condemnation of the disruption of movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Obi was in Benue on Tuesday as part of his campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election and to visit Yelewata, where more than 270 people were killed.
He had attempted to travel to Yelwata in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to visit families and sympathise with victims affected by the deadly June 2025 attacks but had his convoy blocked by a group of youths, preventing him access to the community and creating a tense political standoff.
While Obi and his party alleged that the protesters were hired thugs, the Benue State Government denied any involvement and stated they were unaware of the visit.
Reacting through a public statement, Festus Keyamo, declared that blocking any political figure from moving freely is completely unacceptable in a democracy.
He noted that regardless of whether the protest stemmed from internal party squabbles or outside sponsorship, crude interference has no place in a free society.
Keyamo emphasized that political candidates must be allowed to campaign and move about without intimidation or violence.
He added that citizens or groups dissatisfied with a politician should express their feelings through the ballot box on election day via a lawful thumbprint, rather than resorting to aggressive street blockades during visits or campaigns.
Beyond the blockade itself, Keyamo criticized sections of the media for applying double standards in reporting political confrontations.
He argued that media outlets often frame hostile crowds confronting ruling-party candidates as public rejection, while labeling similar actions against opposition figures as violent attacks by hoodlums.
Keyamo further alleged that some opposition politicians had threatened attacks against APC candidates visiting certain parts of the country and criticised what he described as inadequate media condemnation of such statements.
He stressed that APC is not the only opposition party in the country, urging the press to remain impartial and apply the same standards to all political actors.
He called on supporters of all parties to exercise restraint as the 2027 elections approach, insisting that political disagreements must be settled through democratic means.
“Whoever is angry at any candidate of any political party should display the anger with the ballot paper on voting day by a simple thumbprint, not by violent acts during campaigns,” Keyamo said.
He urged journalists to maintain fairness and consistency, stressing that fair reporting is vital for maintaining a healthy and balanced national political discourse.
