You Lack Authority To Advise Jonathan – PDP Fires Tinubu’s Minister

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his comments concerning the party’s affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Recall that Keyamo had urged Jonathan to publicly distance himself from reports linking him to a presidential ticket allegedly being promoted by a political group.

Keyamo made the call in a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle.

He described the development as a “bizarre comedy” and criticised those behind it for allegedly dragging the former President into what he called a political charade.

The minister said it was inappropriate for individuals who were not recognised as political actors to claim they had offered Jonathan a presidential ticket.

“This is some kind of bizarre comedy taken too far by supposedly grown adults and some names that were actually in the corridors of power at some point in this country,” Keyamo said.

Naija News reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP said Keyamo lacked the moral authority to advise Jonathan on political matters.

The opposition party said reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to Jonathan’s emergence reflected growing anxiety within the party.

According to the PDP, the increasing support for Jonathan across the country has unsettled the ruling party.

“The desperation and anxiety that have increasingly characterised reactions from the ruling APC to the growing national clamour for President Jonathan’s return to leadership make it necessary to set the record straight,” the statement said.

The PDP described it as ironic that Keyamo, who built his public image through criticism of governments and public officials, now appears uncomfortable with opposition political activities.

The party argued that he once challenged authorities on issues of governance and democratic rights.

“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,” the statement added.

The PDP urged the minister to focus on challenges facing the aviation sector and the wider administration instead of commenting on opposition politics.

The party cited economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment among issues it believes deserve greater attention.

“Nigerians are far more interested in solutions to the worsening economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power and the growing insecurity across the country than in unsolicited political advice directed at President Jonathan,” the statement said.

The party argued that many Nigerians still view Jonathan’s administration positively because of what it described as political stability, economic growth and improved investor confidence during his tenure.

According to the PDP, this explains the calls from some quarters for the former president to return to office.

“It is therefore not surprising that many citizens are prevailing on him to return to power to offer stability, national healing and more importantly to reduce the political temperature of the country,” the statement said.

The PDP maintained that citizens have the constitutional right to support candidates of their choice without intimidation or interference.

The party added that as the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians would focus on leadership, competence and national development rather than political attacks.

“No amount of intimidation, blackmail or scaremongering can prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe can help reposition the country,” the statement concluded.