- The Turaki-led PDP faction criticised Festus Keyamo for advising Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election.
- The party defended Jonathan’s record in office and reaffirmed him as its preferred candidate for the 2027 polls.
- The PDP faction urged Keyamo to focus on challenges in the aviation sector rather than commenting on the party’s affairs.
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Taminu Turaki has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his recent remarks advising former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The criticism came in a statement issued on Tuesday, where the PDP faction accused Keyamo of lacking the moral authority to offer political advice to Jonathan, insisting that the former president remains a credible option for Nigerians ahead of the next general election.
The development followed comments by Keyamo, who reportedly urged Jonathan to abandon any plans of returning to the presidential race in 2027. His remarks came amid growing political discussions surrounding the possibility of the former president making a return to active electoral politics.
The Turaki-led PDP faction, which has already affirmed Jonathan as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election, described Keyamo’s intervention as both ironic and unnecessary.
According to the party, it was surprising that Keyamo, who built much of his public reputation through criticism of governments and public office holders, would now seek to discourage others from participating in the democratic process.
The statement recalled Keyamo’s history as a vocal activist and lawyer who frequently challenged those in authority, spoke against perceived injustices and utilised legal avenues to defend democratic principles.
The PDP faction further expressed concern that the minister appeared comfortable with what it described as the shrinking of political space for opposition parties, while simultaneously objecting to citizens and political organisations exercising their democratic rights.
The party urged Keyamo to focus on issues affecting the aviation sector and the broader administration rather than commenting on the internal affairs of the PDP.
“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,” the statement read.
The faction argued that Nigerians are more concerned about rising economic hardship, insecurity, declining purchasing power and unemployment than political advice directed at Jonathan.
It also criticised the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, alleging that the country has witnessed worsening economic conditions, infrastructure challenges and growing concerns over transparency and accountability.
Defending Jonathan’s record in office, the PDP faction maintained that many Nigerians still remember his administration for what it described as political stability, economic growth, increased investor confidence and a more inclusive national atmosphere.
The party said the renewed interest in Jonathan’s possible return to power reflected public sentiment and a desire for national stability.
It concluded by insisting that no amount of intimidation or political pressure would stop Nigerians from expressing their support for leaders they believe can help reposition the country ahead of the 2027 elections.