Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo on Wednesday condemned the blockade that prevented presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting a community in Benue State, saying politicians must be free to campaign without intimidation or violence.
Obi, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was stopped by a group of youths from reaching Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where he planned to visit families affected by a deadly attack in June 2025 that killed more than 100 people.
The incident sparked controversy, with the NDC alleging that hired thugs were responsible, while the Benue State Government denied any involvement and said it was unaware of the visit. Police confirmed they provided security but said the reason for the blockade was still under investigation.
In a statement, Keyamo said the episode must be rejected by all, regardless of political affiliation.
“Yesterday’s report of the prevention of the Presidential candidate of the NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, by some angry protesters from proceeding to the venue of his visit in Benue State must be condemned by all men of goodwill,” he said.
He dismissed debates over the motive for the protest.
“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC (as posited by the Benue State Government) or sponsored by the APC or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” Keyamo stated.
The minister also rejected claims that Obi’s planned visit was purely political and therefore justified the blockade.
“Some have also accused Obi of attempting to whip up fresh emotions by attempting to visit Yelwata, where the unfortunate killings happened more than a year ago, just for political reasons, hence the blockade. That is still not acceptable; everyone should be allowed to move about freely and play their politics without such crude interference,” he said.
Keyamo further criticised what he described as partisan media coverage of similar incidents.
“There is no better time to draw the attention of Nigerians and the world to the spin that the partisan section of the media usually puts on such incidents,” he said.
He noted that confrontations involving ruling party candidates are often portrayed as public rejection, while those involving opposition figures are labelled attacks by sponsored thugs.
“Many a time when an angry crowd confronts or molests an APC candidate at any level, the partisan Press shamelessly dubs or spins it as ‘rejection’ by ‘Nigerians’. When it concerns the opposition, then it is an ‘attack’ by ‘sponsored thugs’ or ‘hoodlums’,” Keyamo said.
“What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. The Press must extricate itself from such partisanship and be fair to all,” he added.
The minister urged citizens to express dissatisfaction only through the ballot box.
“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,” he said.
