“Bring Street Energy, Expect Street Resistance” — Atiku’s Aide Slams Keyamo Over ADC Attacks

Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has issued a sharp rebuke to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his continued criticism of members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Keyamo has recently taken aim at Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi following Obi’s defection to the ADC, warning that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is closely monitoring the activities of the coalition party. He also cautioned ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, insisting that there would be “no breathing space” for the party.

Reacting, Shaibu said Keyamo’s remarks were unbecoming of a minister and accused him of consistently resorting to insults rather than measured public communication.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shaibu said Keyamo had abandoned the decorum expected of a public office holder for what he described as “street quarrels.”

“There is a language fit for a minister—and there is the language of street quarrels. Unfortunately, you keep choosing the latter,” Shaibu wrote.

He added that while Bolaji Abdullahi momentarily drew a more restrained response from the minister, Keyamo still ended his remarks with insults, which Shaibu described as his “comfort zone.”

Shaibu warned that attacks on Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the ADC would no longer go unanswered.

“Let me be clear: you don’t throw mud at Atiku or Peter Obi and expect soft smiles in return. That era is gone,” he said. “If you bring street energy, you’ll meet street resistance.”

He further stressed that holding public office demands discipline and restraint, noting that respect in political engagement must be mutual.

“You provoke, you insult, you personalise everything—then act shocked when you’re answered in the same tone,” Shaibu stated. “Respect is reciprocal, and no one is obligated to pamper recklessness.”

The exchange underscores the rising political tensions following recent realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.