Keyamo Condemns Blockade of Peter Obi in Benue State

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, condemned the blockade of Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, in Benue State, describing the incident as unacceptable. Keyamo stated that the blockade, which prevented Obi from reaching his destination, should be condemned by all Nigerians.

The Benue State Government attributed the disruption to internal divisions within the NDC, while others alleged it was organized by a rival political group. Keyamo dismissed both explanations, insisting that all Nigerians should be free to campaign without violent interference.

He acknowledged criticisms that Obi's visit to Yelwata, a site of previous killings, was politically motivated but maintained that a blockade was not an appropriate response. Keyamo raised concerns about media bias, noting that when APC candidates face hostility, it is framed as rejection, while attacks on opposition figures are labeled as assaults by "sponsored thugs." He urged journalists to avoid partisan reporting and appealed to Nigerians to express their frustrations through voting rather than violence.

Obi was ratified as the NDC's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026, after resigning from the African Democratic Congress on May 2, 2026.