The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has condemned, in strong term, the blockade of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by protesters in Benue State, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Keyamo said preventing a presidential candidate from accessing the venue of a planned engagement amounted to an action that should concern all Nigerians, regardless of the political identity of those involved.

Speaking with Vanguard, the minister also accused sections of the media of applying double standards in reporting similar incidents, depending on the political party involved.

He insisted that the blockade of Obi should be condemned irrespective of the identity, political affiliation or interests of those responsible.

Keyamo’s position comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political groups increasingly trading accusations over the conduct of political activities and the space available for competing candidates.

The minister maintained that democratic principles must apply equally to all political actors and that attempts to prevent candidates from carrying out legitimate political engagements should not be condoned.

“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC, as posited by the Benue State Government, or sponsored by the All Progressives Congress, APC, or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” he said.

The minister acknowledged claims that Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, a community that suffered deadly attacks, was politically motivated and that the visit had triggered opposition from some protesters.

He, however, said such grievances could not justify preventing the former Anambra State governor from moving freely.

“That is still not acceptable; everyone should be allowed to move about freely and play their politics without such crude interference,” Keyamo said. (The guardian)