The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rebuked Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, over his recent remarks concerning former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2027 elections. The PDP described Keyamo’s advice as unwarranted and accused him of hypocrisy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the party asserted that Keyamo has forfeited any moral authority to counsel Jonathan, given his past as a vocal critic of government and public officials. The faction recalled that Keyamo built his reputation by challenging those in power and using the courts to defend democratic principles, yet now he appears uncomfortable with others exercising similar democratic rights.
The PDP expressed shock that Keyamo, who once thrived in opposition, now seems at ease with the current administration’s alleged strangulation of political space while objecting to citizens and parties exercising their constitutional freedoms. The party advised Keyamo to focus on resolving the myriad problems facing the aviation sector and the broader government he serves, rather than meddling in PDP affairs.
According to the statement, Nigerians are more concerned with finding solutions to escalating economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power, and growing instability across the country than with unsolicited political advice to a former president. The PDP pointed out that a minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is hardly qualified to advise a former head of state.
The faction highlighted that under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented economic difficulties, repeated infrastructure collapses, rising unemployment, and corruption scandals that raise serious questions about transparency and accountability. These, the PDP argued, are the issues deserving of Keyamo’s commentary and advice to the incumbent president.
The party noted that the nervousness surrounding Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable, as Nigerians recall that during his tenure the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere. Many citizens, the PDP claimed, are prevailing upon Jonathan to return to power to restore stability, national healing, and reduce the political temperature.
The faction concluded by assuring Keyamo and the APC that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, or scaremongering will prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe can reposition the country.