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.
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.”
