Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has dismissed claims by opposition figures that President Bola Tinubu's appearance and speech at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council were pre-recorded, describing the allegation as a sign of deteriorating mental health among his critics.
Keyamo's Response to Pre-Recording Allegations
Keyamo made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday, October 15, pointing out that the event was broadcast live by both local and international media. He said he was unsure whether to laugh or cry at the claim, suggesting it reflected deepening desperation among opposition figures.
The controversy began after activist Chidi Odinkalu posted on Wednesday, October 14, alleging that the video of Tinubu's address at the inauguration showed indicators of pre-recording, raising doubts about whether the President was physically present. Keyamo did not name Odinkalu directly in his response.
Presidential Spokesman Joins the Fray
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also responded to Odinkalu's post, accusing him of allowing political bias to override sound reasoning.
Tinubu had inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, as the ruling party steps up its preparations for the 2027 general election. The President chairs the council. Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serve as vice-chairmen, while former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary.
Tinubu's Charge to Campaign Council Members
Addressing the council, Tinubu urged members to go down to their wards and polling units to mobilise voters, warning that all efforts would be worthless unless they translated into actual votes on election day.
The APC has announced that its campaign flag-off rally will be held on October 24 in Kaduna State.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo called out Atiku Abubakar over the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004 during the administration he served. Keyamo said billions of naira in pensions and gratuities were left unpaid to thousands of former Nigeria Airways workers after the carrier was shut down. President Tinubu approved N36bn to settle the outstanding payments owed to ex-Nigeria Airways workers, with beneficiaries already receiving alerts.
