PDP lambasts Keyamo over Jonathan’s 2027 candidacy remarks

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rebuked comments made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, regarding the Party’s affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

In a press statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described Keyamo’s remarks as hypocritical, noting that he once built his public profile by criticising governments and defending democratic freedoms, yet now seeks to deny others the same space. The Party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation and anxiety over the growing national clamour for Jonathan’s return, stressing that Nigerians remember the stability, economic growth, and investor confidence enjoyed under his administration.

The PDP further charged Keyamo to focus on the challenges confronting the aviation sector and the APC-led government instead of meddling in the Party’s internal affairs. It highlighted worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption scandals under the APC as issues deserving his attention, rather than unsolicited advice to Jonathan.

The statement dismissed Keyamo’s credibility, pointing to his failure in implementing policies and accusing him of attempting to lecture others while ignoring the government’s shortcomings.

Reaffirming Jonathan’s candidacy, the PDP assured Nigerians that no amount of intimidation or blackmail from the APC would prevent citizens from freely expressing their political preferences.

The Party emphasised that democracy guarantees the right to choose leaders without interference, and insisted that Jonathan’s return is being widely supported as a pathway to stability, national healing, and reduced political tension.

The PDP concluded by branding the APC government as “clueless” since 2015, urging Keyamo to look inward before pointing fingers at others.