Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has criticised opposition figures involved in Wednesday’s protest in Abuja, questioning their claims about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the independence of key national institutions.
Keyamo made his remarks in a post shared on his X handle, reacting to the demonstration led by a coalition of political leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola.
The protest, which began at Maitama Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory, was aimed at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where the protesters accused the electoral body of bias and alleged collaboration with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democracy.
In his response, Keyamo questioned what he described as attempts to delegitimise established democratic and judicial processes in the country.
“So, the survival of our democracy is now anchored on the recognition of one faction of one of the 21 registered political parties we have in this country?” he wrote.
He further argued that the faction in question, even when recognised, had failed to secure electoral victories in recent elections, adding that it was inappropriate to elevate its claims above constitutional processes.
READ ALSO: Keyamo Slams Opposition Over FCT Election Irregularities Claims
“The same faction, even when recognised, could not win a single Council seat in the just-concluded FCT election?” Keyamo queried.
He also dismissed the argument that media narratives should override judicial and institutional procedures, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must remain grounded in law rather than public pressure or political agitation.
“Democracy now means their own logic in the media space MUST be accepted and our judiciary processes ignored?” he added.
Keyamo concluded by accusing the protesters of attempting to exert undue pressure on national institutions.
“These fellows think they can blackmail everyone to do their bidding AT ALL COST. Unfortunately for them, Nigerians are not so gullible,” he stated.
The comments come amid rising political tensions following the Abuja protest, during which opposition leaders alleged electoral bias by INEC and warned against what they described as a drift toward a one-party system in Nigeria.
INEC has yet to issue a formal response to the latest allegations.