The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has criticised Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, over his remarks concerning the party’s decision to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
Jonathan’s endorsement was ratified on Saturday during a special national convention held in Abuja. Although the former president was absent, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State. Jonathan has, however, not publicly confirmed any intention to contest.
Reacting on Sunday, Keyamo urged Jonathan to decline the ticket, describing the PDP faction’s move as a “bizarre comedy.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led faction, dismissed Keyamo’s comments, insisting he lacked the moral standing to advise the former president.
Ememobong also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is unsettled by growing support for Jonathan’s possible return to power.
“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 reads.
He accused Keyamo of abandoning his past stance as a defender of democratic principles, adding that he now appears comfortable with the “shrinking of political space for the opposition.”
Ememobong urged the minister to focus on the aviation sector and governance challenges rather than PDP affairs, stressing that Nigerians are more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards.
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He further stated that political intimidation or pressure would not stop Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice.
“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,” he 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 pointing back at him.”
Ememobong also reaffirmed that democracy guarantees citizens the freedom to choose their leaders without interference from those in government.