The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed remarks by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo regarding the party's endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. In a statement released on Tuesday by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Keyamo lacks the moral authority to comment on Jonathan's political comeback. The party attributed Keyamo's comments to growing unease within the ruling All Progressives Congress over rising public support for Jonathan's return to power.
PDP recalled that Keyamo built his public profile as an activist who challenged government actions, defended democratic rights and pursued legal redress against perceived injustices. It found it contradictory that someone with such a background now appears opposed to citizens and political parties exercising their democratic rights. "It is therefore surprising that he now appears very comfortable with the administration's asphyxiation of the political space against the opposition, while at the same time being totally uncomfortable with citizens and political parties exercising their democratic rights," the statement read.
The party urged Keyamo to focus on pressing national issues, particularly challenges in the aviation sector and broader governance failures. It listed economic hardship, insecurity, declining purchasing power and unemployment as concerns more deserving of attention than political commentary. PDP accused the APC-led Federal Government of overseeing economic decline, infrastructure decay and corruption scandals since 2015.
According to the PDP, Jonathan's administration was marked by political stability, sustained economic growth, stronger foreign investor confidence and a more inclusive national atmosphere. The party said many Nigerians are calling for his return to foster national healing and reduce political tension. It rejected any attempt by the APC to discourage public support for Jonathan, affirming that democracy protects the right of Nigerians to choose their preferred leaders. The statement was signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Interim National Working Committee.
Festus Keyamo once built his reputation challenging those in power, yet now holds a position in a government he would have once criticized. His criticism of public support for Goodluck Jonathan clashes with his past as a defender of democratic expression. If Keyamo truly stands by those principles, he should not question Nigerians' right to back a former president they believe can lead. His current role demands consistency, not selective discomfort with political voices outside his party.
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