PDP Fires Back at Keyamo, Says He Lacks Moral Authority to Advise Jonathan on 2027 Presidency

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his comments regarding the party's endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP said Keyamo lacked the moral authority to advise Jonathan or interfere in the internal affairs of the opposition party, describing his remarks as a reflection of the growing anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over increasing calls for Jonathan's return to national leadership.

Signed by the party's National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the statement noted that Keyamo built his reputation by challenging governments and defending democratic principles, making his current position against political opposition appear contradictory.

The PDP accused the minister of ignoring what it described as the shrinking democratic space under the APC administration while criticizing citizens and political parties for exercising their constitutional rights.

According to the party, Keyamo should focus on addressing challenges within the aviation sector and advising the current administration on pressing national issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards.

“A minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is not the best person to offer advice to a former President,” the statement said.

The opposition party further argued that the APC-led government has presided over worsening economic conditions, infrastructure failures, and governance challenges since assuming power in 2015.

The PDP maintained that many Nigerians continue to view Jonathan's tenure positively, citing what it described as political stability, economic growth, increased investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere during his administration.

It added that the growing calls for Jonathan's return stem from a desire among citizens for stable and unifying leadership capable of reducing political tensions and addressing national challenges.

The party insisted that no amount of intimidation or political pressure would stop Nigerians from freely expressing their support for leaders they believe can reposition the country.

“As the nation approaches another electoral cycle, Nigerians are increasingly focused on competent, unifying and selfless leadership that prioritises national interest over partisan considerations,” the statement added.

The PDP concluded by urging Keyamo to channel his energy toward advising the APC-led administration on resolving the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, arguing that criticism of opposition figures would not distract from the government's performance record.