The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his comments on the reported nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election, insisting the minister lacks the moral authority to advise the ex-leader.
Keyamo had on Sunday, May 31, urged Jonathan to publicly reject the nomination, arguing that the faction that announced him as a candidate was not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also described the development as an “embarrassing spectacle” involving individuals not authorised to present candidates on behalf of any legitimate party structure.
The controversy followed the decision of a PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki to name Jonathan as its presidential candidate for 2027, shortly after another faction reportedly aligned with supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, presented Senator Sandy Onor as its flagbearer.
In a statement issued on June 2 and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP faction said it would ordinarily not respond to Keyamo but was compelled to do so due to what it described as rising political anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been drawn to the recent comments by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, concerning the Party’s affirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election,” the statement said.
It added that Keyamo’s reaction reflected desperation within the APC over growing public discussion about Jonathan’s possible return to active politics.
“Ordinarily, the PDP would not have dignified such comments with a response. However, the desperation and anxiety that have increasingly characterised reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the growing national clamour for President Jonathan’s return to leadership make it necessary to set the record straight,” it stated.
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The faction accused Keyamo of inconsistency, recalling his past role as a critic of government policies before joining the current administration.
“It is rather ironic that Festus 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 advised the minister to focus on governance issues rather than opposition politics, listing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure decay as national concerns requiring urgent attention.
“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,” it said.
The statement also rejected claims of government progress, arguing that Nigerians are facing worsening economic conditions.
“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.”
Defending Jonathan’s record, the faction said his administration delivered stability and economic growth, and noted increasing public calls for his return.
“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 concluded by insisting that Nigerians must be free to make political choices without intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.