ABUJA — A fresh political showdown has erupted between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the party’s possible choice of presidential candidate in 2027.
Keyamo, in a lengthy post on his X account yesterday, cautioned the PDP against fielding former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi, warning that both options could spell disaster for the opposition party.
According to him, Jonathan’s candidacy poses a constitutional risk under section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which bars anyone sworn in twice as president from contesting again.
“If he is fielded, the party runs the risk of not having a candidate at all,” Keyamo argued, warning that only the Supreme Court can settle the matter — and that a disqualification after nominations close could leave the PDP stranded.
The minister further dismissed Obi’s prospects, suggesting that his credibility among core supporters may have weakened, especially after his past pledge to serve only one term.
“The principled ones among the ‘obidients’ will see him as going back to his vomit … and may not be too vociferous in their support anymore,” he wrote.
Keyamo also ruled out the chances of a strong South-West candidate for the PDP, arguing that zoning realities and APC’s entrenched structures would frustrate such a bid. He blamed the PDP’s current predicament on its “original sin” of failing to zone the 2023 ticket to the South, predicting the party might have to wait until 2031 for a real chance at the presidency.
PDP Hits Back: “Keyamo Cannot Decide Our Candidate”
In a swift rebuttal, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, slammed the minister’s comments as “reckless, self-serving, and unbecoming of a public servant.”
“I don’t know who Keyamo thinks he is to be warning the PDP. Such a reckless statement is unbecoming of a minister who is supposed to serve the Nigerian people,” Osadolor said.
He insisted that the choice of candidate was strictly the PDP’s internal affair and accused the minister of seeking to distract Nigerians from the ruling party’s failures.
“The 2027 election is far bigger than the thinking of Keyamo and those he works with. It will be a contest between the Nigerian people and the current cabal that has further eroded not only the economy and infrastructure, but also the very worth of Nigerian lives,” he added.
Osadolor further challenged the government’s performance, daring Keyamo to attempt a road trip from Abuja to Kano without escorts as proof of security claims. He also queried the nearly ₦1 trillion earmarked for Lagos International Airport rehabilitation, alleging inflated contracts and budget padding.
“His beak is being wetted by the common patrimony of Nigerians, so he talks carelessly. But he cannot dictate to the PDP. He has no locus standi whatsoever on this matter,” Osadolor declared.
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