Keyamo Condemns Obi’s Benue Blockade, Calls for Fair Media Reporting

By Felix Uroko

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the reported blockade of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi by youths in Benue State, describing such actions as unacceptable in a democracy.

Obi was reportedly stopped from proceeding to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where he planned to visit families affected by the deadly June 2025 attack in the community.

The incident has sparked controversy, with Obi’s party alleging that the protesters were sponsored, while the Benue State Government denied involvement and said it was unaware of the planned visit. The police said they were aware of Obi’s movement and had provided security, but stated that the reason for the blockade was still being investigated.

Reacting to the development, Keyamo said it should not matter whether those responsible were acting out of internal disagreements or were allegedly sponsored by a rival political party.

According to him, politicians should be free to move around, campaign and visit communities without intimidation, regardless of their political affiliation.

Keyamo also criticised what he described as partisan reporting by sections of the media, arguing that similar incidents are sometimes labelled differently depending on the political party involved.

He said angry crowds confronting APC politicians are often portrayed as evidence of “rejection,” while similar confrontations involving opposition politicians are described as attacks by “sponsored thugs.”

The minister called on the media to apply the same standards to all political parties and candidates.

Keyamo further urged politicians and their supporters to channel their grievances through democratic means rather than violence.

He said Nigerians who disagree with any candidate should express their opposition at the ballot box on election day, not through violence during political campaigns.