ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on September 9, 2026, condemned the blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi by protesters in Benue State, describing the incident as crude interference that has no place in a democracy.
Golden Info reports that Festus Keyamo stated that the prevention of Peter Obi from accessing his planned visit destination must be condemned regardless of whether the protest resulted from internal party disagreements or sponsorship by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or rival parties.
The minister acknowledged reports that Peter Obi‘s scheduled visit to Yelwata, a community that recently suffered violent attacks, had drawn opposition due to claims of political motivation. However, Festus Keyamo emphasized that such grievances do not justify restricting the movement of the former Anambra State governor.
Festus Keyamo further accused sections of the media of applying double standards when reporting political confrontations. He noted that hostile crowds confronting All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates are frequently framed by press outlets as evidence of public rejection, whereas similar actions targeting opposition figures are characterized as attacks by sponsored thugs.
The aviation minister also cited past unaddressed statements by opposition figures threatening that All Progressives Congress (APC) political candidates would face public resistance in certain regions. Festus Keyamo urged news organizations to maintain fairness and detachment from political partisanship.
Concluding his remarks, Festus Keyamo urged political supporters across all party lines to refrain from campaign violence and instead express electoral grievances through the ballot box during voting.