The Taminu Turaki led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his recent comments advising former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party maintained that Keyamo lacks the moral authority to offer political advice to Jonathan.
The reaction followed comments by Keyamo urging the former president to abandon any plans of seeking a return to office in 2027.
The PDP faction had earlier affirmed Jonathan as its preferred candidate for the next presidential election.
According to the party, it is ironic that Keyamo, who built much of his public profile through criticism of governments and public office holders, now appears unwilling to allow others the same democratic space he once freely occupied.
The party recalled Keyamo’s history of challenging those in authority, speaking against perceived injustices, and approaching the courts in defence of democratic principles.
It expressed concern that the minister now appears comfortable with what it described as the shrinking of the political space for opposition parties while objecting to citizens and political groups exercising their constitutional rights.
Part of the statement read:
“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.
“Nigerians are far more interested in solutions to the worsening economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power, and the growing insecurity across the country than in unsolicited political advice directed at President Jonathan.
“A minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is not the best person to offer advice to a former President.
“Under the APC administration, Nigerians have witnessed unprecedented economic difficulties, repeated collapse of critical infrastructure, rising unemployment, and corruption scandals that continue to raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in government. These are the issues deserving of the Minister’s commentary and advise to the incumbent president.
“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.
“It is therefore not surprising that many citizens are prevailing on him to return to power to offer stability, national healing and more importantly to reduce the political temperature of the country.
“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.”
