PDP argued that democracy guarantees citizens the right to make leadership choices without interference from those who presently occupy public office.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, over his comments on the party’s affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, saying the minister lacks the moral authority to advise the Bayelsa-born politician.
The party tackled the minister on Tuesday evening in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
Jonathan’s candidacy as the flag bearer for the faction of the party in the 2027 election was ratified on Saturday at a special national convention in Abuja. Although the ex-president was not present at the event, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives from his state.
Reacting to the decision in a post on X on Sunday, Keyamo urged Jonathan to reject the presidential ticket, describing the Turaki-led PDP’s action as a “bizarre comedy”. He went on to advise him to distance himself from the nomination to protect his reputation and standing.
“For the sake of his global image, President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately issue a strong ‘no, thank you’ statement, lest Nigerians begin to recall the ‘clueless’ campaign that got him out of power — first sitting President to be so ousted,” Keyamo wrote.
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Countering the counsel, the PDP argued that Keyamo is in no position to offer advice to Jonathan. It added that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is simply apprehensive about Jonathan’s planned return to office.
“The desperation and anxiety that have increasingly characterised reactions from the ruling APC to the growing national clamour for President Jonathan’s return to leadership make it necessary to set the record straight,” the statement read.
The PDP further noted that Keyamo, who was once known for challenging governments and defending democratic principles, now appeared comfortable with the “shrinking of political space for the opposition”. It asked the minister to focus on the challenges within the aviation sector and the broader administration rather than commenting on the PDP’s internal affairs.
Ememobong stated that Nigerians are far more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, rising unemployment, and declining purchasing power than political remarks directed at Jonathan. He added 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”.
“If Festus Keyamo truly wishes to offer advice, he should begin by advising the APC-led administration to address the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. Until then, his attempts to lecture others on governance and political judgment will continue to ring hollow,” Ememobong said.
“Finally, if any political party has exemplified cluelessness in public administration, it has been the APC-led federal government since 2015. So, if Keyamo is attempting to point a finger of cluelessness, he should look at the four fingers pointing back at him.”
The PDP concluded by asserting that democracy guarantees citizens the right to make leadership choices without interference from those who presently occupy public office.
