The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), over his comments on the party’s endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the minister lacks the moral authority to advise the former Nigerian leader.
The party’s position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, who accused Keyamo of interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition party while ignoring pressing national challenges.
The PDP said it was ironic that Keyamo, who rose to prominence through sustained criticism of governments and public office holders, was now uncomfortable with citizens and political parties exercising their democratic rights.
According to the statement, “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 argued that instead of commenting on Jonathan’s political future, the minister should focus on addressing challenges in the aviation sector and the broader issues confronting Nigerians.
“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 read.
The PDP further stated that Nigerians were more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining purchasing power than political commentary from government officials.
The opposition party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of exhibiting nervousness over growing calls for Jonathan’s return to leadership.
“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 statement added.
The party maintained that many Nigerians were encouraging Jonathan to return because they believed he could help restore stability and reduce political tension in the country.
It also insisted that no amount of intimidation or political pressure would stop citizens from freely expressing their political preferences ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We can assure Keyamo and the APC that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, or scaremongering can prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe can help reposition the country,” the PDP stated.
The party concluded by urging Keyamo to focus on advising the APC-led Federal Government on governance and addressing the country’s challenges rather than criticising opposition figures.
