Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has condemned the recent disruption of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State, describing the incident as an unacceptable breach of democratic norms.
Obi was reportedly blocked by protesters from proceeding with a scheduled political visit to Yelwata, a community affected by previous violence. While the Benue State Government attributed the fracas to internal squabbles within the NDC, and critics alleged political sponsorship, Keyamo maintained that such interference undermines freedom of movement and political participation.
“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC… or sponsored by the APC or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” Keyamo stated.
He noted that regardless of arguments regarding whether the visit was intended to whip up emotions over past tragedies, candidates must be allowed to move freely without crude interference.
Beyond the incident itself, Keyamo directed severe criticism at sections of the partisan media for applying double standards in reporting political hostilities. He pointed out that mainstream framing often shifts depending on the political alignment of the target.
“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 ‘attack’ by ‘sponsored thugs’ or ‘hoodlums’,” Keyamo observed.
The minister further criticized media outlets for amplifying statements from opposition figures who openly boast that ruling party candidates cannot visit certain regions without facing violence, rather than calling out such rhetoric.
Stressing that “what is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” he urged the press to remain fair and detached from partisanship.
Emphasizing that political grievances should not manifest as street violence, Keyamo concluded that public dissatisfaction with any candidate ought to be channeled strictly through the ballot box during voting.
