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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 advice to former president Goodluck Jonathan on next year’s general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the PDP said Keyamo lacks the moral authority to advise Jonathan.
The Eastern Updates reports that Keyamo had asked the ex-president to shelve the idea of running for president in 2027.
Recall that the factional PDP had affirmed Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The party said it was rather ironic that 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.
It also recalled that Keyamo who challenged those in power, spoke against perceived injustices and approached the courts in defence of democratic principles.
The party expressed shock that Keyamo 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.
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.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following what it described as disruptions to its Special National Convention in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, on Saturday, the PDP alleged that its planned convention was obstructed through the deployment of security personnel and threats directed at the venue management.
According to the party, it had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of its activities and had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja for the convention.
Read Also: Ex-Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege Joins NDC
The PDP claimed that the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after allegedly receiving threats from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the facility’s Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked if it hosted the event.
The party further alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued statements warning business premises against hosting events it considered unlawful.
It also claimed that more than 20 truckloads of police officers were deployed to the area on the eve of the convention, effectively restricting access to the venue.
Following an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, and other stakeholders, the party said it resolved not to confront security operatives.
The PDP said elder statesmen within the party advised against any physical resistance, urging members to demonstrate restraint and focus on electoral victory rather than confrontation.
The party added that a formal presentation and flag-off ceremony for the candidate would be held at a later date.
The PDP condemned what it described as the abuse of state power by officials of the current administration, particularly the FCT minister, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system if left unchecked.
It argued that the alleged disruption reflected growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics and accused the ruling party of attempting to stifle political competition.
The opposition party also called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions and ensure that all political parties are allowed to operate freely within the bounds of the law.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 elections, the PDP urged its members to remain united and committed to the party’s objectives, while directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and raise awareness locally and internationally about what it termed efforts to weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has officially announced his defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Eastern Updates reports that Omo-Agege announced his resignation from the APC days after losing the Delta Central senatorial primary election.
In a lengthy statement he issued on Thursday, Omo-Agege said his decision followed weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across the country.
