The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in the resignation letter.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo described Atiku’s action as ill‑timed and inappropriate, particularly as the nation is mourning the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of mourning is an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo stated.
Atiku’s resignation letter, dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to his ward chairman in Adamawa State, cited “irreconcilable differences” and expressed his disappointment with what he called the party’s deviation from its founding principles.
The letter was made public by his media aide shortly after Buhari’s passing.
Keyamo alleged that the timing was deliberate, “You prepared, signed, and dispatched your letter the day after President Buhari’s death was announced, demonstrating an obsession with your perennial presidential ambition, without sympathy or empathy.”
READ ALSO: Atiku Quits PDP, Cites ‘Irreconcilable Differences’
He also faulted Atiku for using the Federal Government’s Coat of Arms on his letterhead despite no longer holding public office.
“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago,” Keyamo said.
Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Keyamo added that such an act “borders on impersonation.”
“Such continued misuse of national symbols by former officials would certainly cause confusion everywhere,” he warned.
“I have a bounden duty both as a cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution,” the minister concluded.