By Oscar Okhifo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the reported blockade of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by protesters in Benue State, saying political disagreements must not be allowed to undermine democratic participation.
Keyamo, a lawyer and senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also challenged the media to apply the same standards when reporting political confrontations, warning against portraying similar incidents differently depending on the political party or candidate involved.
The incident has continued to attract condemnation, with Amnesty International, human rights lawyer Enebehe Effiong, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, the NDC, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, and several other individuals and groups expressing concern over the development.
The reactions have largely centred on the need for political parties, candidates and their supporters to adhere to both the spirit and letter of the political peace accord and uphold the principles of democracy, particularly freedom of movement, political participation, fairness and tolerance.
In a statement titled, “Peter Obi and the Benue Incident: What We Demand Is Consistency From the Partisan Media,” Keyamo said the circumstances surrounding the protest should not be used to justify preventing any political candidate from moving freely across the country.
“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,” Keyamo said.
He noted that the Benue State Government had attributed the incident to internal disagreements within the NDC, while some critics accused Obi of attempting to visit Yelwata, where killings occurred more than a year ago, for political purposes.
Keyamo, however, said neither explanation could justify the action against the former Anambra State governor.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The condemnation comes against the backdrop of renewed calls for political parties and their supporters to respect the commitments contained in the peace accord signed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those who have spoken against the incident said political candidates should be allowed to campaign, visit communities and engage citizens without intimidation, while citizens who disagree with any candidate should be free to express their views peacefully.
They also stressed that the democratic process requires fairness to all political parties, insisting that no candidate should be subjected to different standards because of political affiliation.
Keyamo, however, said the Benue incident had also provided an opportunity to examine what he described as partisan treatment of political events by sections of the media.
He accused some media organisations of portraying angry crowds confronting APC candidates as evidence of the party’s rejection by Nigerians, while similar incidents involving opposition politicians were reported as attacks allegedly carried out by sponsored thugs.
“However, 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 to such incidents,” he said.
“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’. Just check most headlines today.”
The minister said such double standards were unacceptable, arguing that the media had a responsibility to report political developments fairly, irrespective of the political party involved.
“This is what is unacceptable,” he said.
Keyamo also criticised what he described as statements by some opposition leaders suggesting that APC candidates could face violence if they visited certain parts of the country.
“In fact, many opposition leaders openly boast that the APC candidates cannot go to some parts of this country and shout ‘APC!’ without being ‘stoned’, ‘beaten’ or molested, yet the partisan press do not call out such leaders and even help to accentuate such statements,” he said.
He called on the media to “extricate itself from such partisanship” and maintain fairness in its coverage of political activities.
“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.
As political tensions continue to build ahead of the 2027 elections, reactions to the Benue incident have again raised questions about the ability of political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful campaign environment.
Keyamo said political grievances should ultimately be settled through the ballot box rather than through intimidation or violence.
“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.