The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his remarks advising former President Goodluck Jonathan to decline any presidential nomination for the 2027 election.
PDP accuses Keyamo of interference
In a statement, the PDP accused Keyamo of meddling in the internal affairs of the party and questioned his moral authority to comment on Jonathan's political future. The party noted that it would have ordinarily ignored the remarks but responded due to what it described as growing concern within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over increasing public calls for Jonathan's possible return to leadership.
Contradictory position
According to the PDP, Keyamo's position was contradictory, given his past as a public interest lawyer and activist who frequently criticized governments and defended democratic freedoms. “It is rather ironic that Festus Keyamo, a man who built his public profile through relentless criticism of governments and public office holders, now seeks to deny others the very democratic space he once occupied with such enthusiasm,” the party said.
The PDP stated that Nigerians remember Keyamo as a vocal critic of those in power and questioned why he now appeared uncomfortable with political parties exercising their constitutional rights.
Focus on aviation sector
The party also advised the minister to focus on his official responsibilities rather than engaging in opposition politics. “Instead of concerning himself with the internal affairs of the PDP, the Minister would do well to devote his energy to addressing the numerous challenges confronting the aviation sector and the wider administration of which he is a part,” the statement added.
It further argued that Nigerians were more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards than political debates about Jonathan's potential candidacy.
Defending Jonathan's legacy
Defending the former president, the PDP said many Nigerians still view his administration positively, citing political stability, economic growth, and improved investor confidence during his tenure. “The obvious nervousness that has greeted President Jonathan's candidacy is understandable, because Nigerians have not forgotten that under his administration, the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere,” the party stated.
The opposition party maintained that no amount of political pressure or intimidation would stop Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice. It added that as the country approaches another election cycle, citizens are increasingly seeking competent and unifying leadership capable of addressing national challenges.
The PDP concluded by urging Keyamo to focus on helping the government tackle pressing national issues rather than offering what it described as unsolicited political advice to the former president.
