The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his recent comments advising former President Goodluck Jonathan to reject the party’s presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the opposition party accused Keyamo of meddling in its internal affairs and questioned his moral standing to dictate political decisions to Jonathan or the PDP.
The party said it would normally have ignored the minister’s remarks but decided to respond because of what it described as growing concern within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over increasing calls from some Nigerians for Jonathan to return to national leadership.
According to the PDP, Keyamo’s comments were surprising given his background as a lawyer and activist who built his public reputation by challenging governments and speaking out on political issues.
The party argued that Nigerians remember Keyamo as someone who frequently criticised those in power and defended democratic rights, making it contradictory for him to now object to political parties and citizens exercising those same freedoms.
The PDP urged the minister to focus on the responsibilities of his office and the challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector instead of commenting on opposition politics.
The opposition party also stated that Nigerians are currently more concerned about issues such as rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship than political attacks directed at Jonathan.
Defending the former president, the PDP maintained that many Nigerians still view Jonathan’s administration positively, citing what it described as a period of relative political stability, economic growth, improved investor confidence and national unity.
According to the party, the renewed interest in Jonathan’s possible return reflects growing public demand for experienced and unifying leadership capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
The PDP further argued that no political pressure, criticism or intimidation would stop Nigerians from supporting leaders they believe can move the country forward.
As discussions around the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum, the party insisted that Nigerians deserve the freedom to choose their preferred candidates without interference from political opponents.
The PDP concluded by advising Keyamo to concentrate on helping the current administration tackle pressing national issues rather than offering what it described as unsolicited political advice to the former president.
Source: PDP Statement
