Focus on aviation, not Jonathan’s candidacy, PDP fires back at Keyamo

The Tanimu Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of growing nervous over the prospect of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s return to power in 2027, dismissing recent comments by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo as evidence of the ruling party’s anxiety over the increasing calls for Jonathan’s candidacy.

Turaki-led PDP faction, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Tuesday urged Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to focus on challenges in the aviation sector and governance issues rather than the internal affairs of the party.

On Saturday, the Turaki-led PDP faction announced former President Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate in absentia.

In response, the Aviation Minister called on Jonathan to disassociate himself from both the party and the race.

The PDP faction said the reaction to Jonathan’s candidacy reflects clear nervousness, noting that Nigerians still recall his tenure for political stability, economic growth, stronger investor confidence, and greater national inclusion.

It stated, “It is rather ironic that Festus Keyamo, a man who built his public profile through relentless criticism of governments and public office holders, now seeks to deny others the very democratic space he once occupied with such enthusiasm. Nigerians remember the Keyamo who challenged those in power, spoke against perceived injustices, and approached the courts in defence of democratic principles. It is therefore surprising that he now appears very comfortable with the administration’s asphyxiation of the political space against the opposition, while at the same time being totally uncomfortable with citizens and political parties exercising their democratic rights.

“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.”

The PDP faction said Keyamo and the APC cannot stop Nigerians from freely expressing their political choices or supporting leaders they believe can reposition the country, no matter the pressure or intimidation.

The statement read in part, “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. Democracy guarantees citizens the right to make such choices without interference from those who presently occupy public office.

“As the nation approaches another critical electoral cycle, Nigerians are increasingly focused on the need for competent, unifying, and selfless leadership that places national interest above personal ambition and prioritises the stability and progress of the country over partisan calculations.

“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.

“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.”