Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
Keyamo described the incident as unacceptable in a democracy. He said political differences should not stop anyone from moving freely.
Obi visited Benue State on Tuesday. He planned to visit Yelwata to meet victims and families affected by the deadly attacks in the community.
However, youths blocked the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway. They stopped Obi’s convoy from reaching Yelwata.
The incident also caused traffic delays along the highway.
Keyamo said nobody should stop Obi from visiting Yelwata.
He said political disagreements cannot justify such an action.
The minister also rejected claims that Obi’s visit was politically motivated because it came more than a year after the attacks.
According to Keyamo, political motives should not prevent anyone from moving freely.
He said every political candidate has the right to visit communities and meet citizens.
Keyamo also criticised what he described as unfair political reporting.
He said some media organisations use different standards when reporting political protests.
The minister said reports sometimes describe protests against APC politicians as signs of public rejection.
However, reports on similar incidents involving opposition politicians may describe them as attacks by thugs or sponsored groups.
Keyamo urged journalists to apply the same standards to every political party.
He also called for balanced reporting as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections increase.
The Benue State Government denied any involvement in the incident.
The government said it did not know about any plan to stop Obi from visiting Yelwata.
It also rejected claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia or his administration sponsored youths to block Obi’s convoy.
The state government said it does not use thugs to carry out government activities.
Keyamo urged politicians and their supporters to settle disagreements through democratic means.
He said Nigerians should use their votes to support or reject political candidates.
The minister also warned against violence and intimidation during political activities.
His comments come as political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
