The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his remarks urging former President Goodluck Jonathan not to accept any presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement, the opposition party accused Keyamo of meddling in its internal affairs and questioned his authority to comment on Jonathan’s political future.
The PDP said it would ordinarily have ignored the minister’s comments but felt compelled to respond because of what it described as growing anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over increasing calls for Jonathan’s possible return to national leadership.
According to the party, Keyamo’s position contradicts the principles he once championed as a public interest lawyer and activist known for criticizing governments and defending democratic freedoms.
“It is ironic that Festus Keyamo, who built his reputation through persistent criticism of governments and public office holders, now seeks to deny others the democratic space he once occupied so vigorously,” the statement said.
The PDP noted that many Nigerians remember Keyamo as a vocal advocate of accountability and questioned why he now appears uncomfortable with political parties exercising their constitutional rights.
The party further urged the minister to focus on his official responsibilities rather than involving himself in opposition politics.
“Instead of concerning himself with the internal affairs of the PDP, the Minister should channel his energy toward addressing the numerous challenges facing the aviation sector and the administration he serves,” the statement added.
The PDP argued that Nigerians are more concerned about pressing issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards than debates surrounding Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
Defending the former president, the party maintained that many Nigerians still hold positive views of his administration, citing political stability, economic growth, stronger investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere during his tenure.
“The obvious nervousness surrounding President Jonathan’s possible candidacy is understandable because Nigerians have not forgotten that under his administration, the country experienced political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investment confidence, and a more inclusive environment,” the party stated.
The PDP insisted that no amount of political pressure or intimidation would prevent Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice.
As the country moves closer to another election cycle, the party said citizens are increasingly looking for competent, unifying leadership capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.
The PDP concluded by advising Keyamo to concentrate on helping the government tackle critical national issues rather than offering what it described as unsolicited political advice to the former president.
