Aviation Minister Keyamo Blasts Obi's Benue Obstruction, Urges Media Fairness

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has urged the media to cease what he termed biased reporting of political disputes. This call comes after the alleged obstruction of Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, in Benue State. In a statement released to our correspondent on Wednesday, Keyamo strongly condemned the occurrence, emphasizing that political figures must be permitted unhindered movement and campaign activities, free from harassment or aggression.

Reports indicate that a youth group prevented Obi from reaching Yelwata in Benue State's Guma Local Government Area. Obi's itinerary included a visit to families impacted by a fatal attack that occurred in the community in June 2025. The event has sparked significant debate, with Obi and the NDC claiming the demonstrators were sponsored. Conversely, the Benue State Government disavowed any involvement and stated it had no prior knowledge of Obi's visit.

Benue State police confirmed their awareness of Obi's movement and stated they had provided security. However, they reported that the motive behind the youths' blockade of the convoy was unclear and was under investigation. The NDC characterized the incident as intolerable, asserting that suspected hired individuals obstructed Obi's motorcade, preventing his entry into Yelwata. The party clarified that Obi intended to offer condolences to victims' families following the killings.

In response to these events, Keyamo declared that the incident warranted condemnation, regardless of the political leanings of those involved. He stated, “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.” He emphasized that the origin of the protest, whether from internal NDC disputes (as suggested by the Benue State Government) or alleged sponsorship by the APC or another opposing party, was irrelevant. “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,” Keyamo reiterated.

The minister further dismissed the notion that Obi's intended visit to Yelwata might have been politically driven, asserting that such a rationale did not warrant denying him access to the area. He quoted, “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 June 2025 Yelwata attack stands as one of Benue's most severe recent incidents, with reports indicating over 100 fatalities. The community has become emblematic of the widespread insecurity afflicting various parts of the state. Obi has, on prior occasions, visited other Benue communities impacted by violence, advocating for more robust measures to safeguard citizens.

Keyamo, however, highlighted that the event also brought to light what he characterized as the media's inconsistent portrayal of political clashes. He remarked, “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 on such incidents.”

He further elaborated that when All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians face public confrontations, these are often framed as public rejection. In contrast, similar occurrences involving opposition figures are labeled as assaults by paid hooligans. “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 an ‘attack’ by ‘sponsored thugs’ or ‘hoodlums’,” Keyamo explained.

Keyamo contended that the media ought to apply uniform standards to all political parties and their candidates, irrespective of their allegiances. He stated, “This is what is unacceptable. 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 does not call out such leaders and even helps to accentuate such statements.” The minister concluded by asserting, “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 implored Nigerians to express their political dissatisfaction through democratic channels instead of resorting to violence. He underscored that elections offer citizens a peaceful means to reject candidates.