Festus Keyamo condemns the blockade of Peter Obi’s Benue visit, urging political actors to reject violence and settle disagreements through the ballot.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has criticised the reported obstruction of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his planned visit to Benue State.
Keyamo described the development as unacceptable in a democratic environment, arguing that political differences, disagreements within parties or disputes over the activities of a candidate should not result in the restriction of anyone’s freedom of movement.
The minister’s reaction comes amid controversy surrounding Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, a Benue community that has recently been affected by deadly attacks.
The proposed visit reportedly generated opposition in some quarters, with questions raised about the political implications of the former Anambra State governor’s presence in the area.
However, Keyamo maintained that disagreements over the purpose of a political visit cannot provide justification for physically preventing a candidate from moving around the country.
He said the identity of those behind the incident should not distract from the larger democratic principle involved.
“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC, as posited by the Benue State Government, or sponsored by the All Progressives Congress, APC, or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians must be allowed to participate in political activities without intimidation or unnecessary interference, irrespective of the political party to which they belong.
Keyamo stressed that political campaigns and engagements are an important part of democratic participation and should not be disrupted through actions capable of creating tension or fear among candidates and their supporters.
He particularly rejected the argument that Obi’s proposed visit to Yelwata should be treated differently because of the sensitive circumstances surrounding the community.
While acknowledging that political activities can sometimes generate disagreements, he said such differences should be managed through dialogue and other legitimate democratic channels.
“That is still not acceptable; everyone should be allowed to move about freely and play their politics without such crude interference,” he stated.
The minister also broadened his comments to include the role of the media in reporting politically sensitive incidents.
Keyamo accused sections of the press of applying what he described as different standards when covering confrontations involving members of the opposition and those associated with the ruling APC.
He argued that when opposition politicians encounter resistance or confrontation, reports sometimes quickly describe the perpetrators as “sponsored thugs” or “hoodlums”, whereas statements or threats directed at APC politicians may not always receive comparable attention.
“When it concerns the opposition, then it is ‘attack’ by ‘sponsored thugs’ or ‘hoodlums’. Just check most headlines today,” he noted.
Keyamo said the media has an important responsibility to remain balanced, particularly at a time when political activities are gradually becoming more intense ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that selective reporting could deepen political divisions and create the impression that certain political groups are being treated more favourably than others.
The minister also referred to previous statements allegedly made by opposition figures warning that APC candidates could face resistance or hostility in certain parts of the country.
According to him, such comments should equally be subjected to public scrutiny because inflammatory political rhetoric from any side can contribute to an atmosphere of tension.
“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,” Keyamo said.
His comments come against the backdrop of increasing political activity across the country as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general elections.
With political competition expected to intensify, concerns over campaign-related violence, inflammatory statements and confrontations between rival supporters have continued to attract attention.
Keyamo consequently appealed to politicians and their supporters to avoid actions that could undermine peaceful political participation.
He said Nigerians who disagree with a particular candidate have a democratic means of expressing their dissatisfaction, stressing that the ballot remains the most effective instrument available to voters.
Rather than attacking or obstructing political opponents during campaigns, he urged citizens to wait until election day and use their votes to communicate their position.
“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 added.
The minister’s position places emphasis on the need for political disagreements to remain within the boundaries of democratic engagement.
He maintained that candidates should be able to travel, campaign and interact with citizens without facing threats or physical obstruction, provided they operate within the law.
The controversy surrounding Obi’s proposed Benue visit has also renewed discussions about the delicate balance between political campaigning and security concerns in communities that have experienced violence.
While residents and authorities may have legitimate concerns about security and the timing of political activities in sensitive areas, Keyamo’s argument is that such concerns should be addressed through lawful and peaceful measures rather than confrontation.
As political parties prepare for the next electoral cycle, the minister’s remarks highlight the broader need for restraint among political actors, supporters and other stakeholders.
For Keyamo, disagreements over candidates, parties or campaign activities should ultimately be settled through democratic processes, with voters retaining the power to determine their preferred leaders through the ballot rather than through violence or intimidation.
