RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed comments by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), regarding the party’s endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the minister lacks the moral authority to advise the former Nigerian leader.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP accused Keyamo of interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition party while ignoring pressing national challenges confronting the country.
The party said it was compelled to respond due to what it described as growing anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over increasing calls by Nigerians for Jonathan’s return to national leadership.
According to the PDP, Keyamo, who rose to national prominence through activism and criticism of governments, should not oppose the democratic right of citizens and political parties to support candidates of their choice.
“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 with such enthusiasm,” the statement said.
The opposition party urged the minister to concentrate on addressing challenges in the aviation sector and contributing solutions to issues facing the country, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
The PDP further argued that the APC administration has presided over worsening economic conditions, infrastructure failures and governance challenges since assuming office in 2015.
Defending Jonathan’s potential candidacy, the party maintained that many Nigerians continue to view the former president’s administration as a period marked by political stability, economic growth and increased investor confidence.
“The obvious nervousness that has greeted President Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable because Nigerians have not forgotten that under his administration, the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence and a more inclusive national atmosphere,” the PDP stated.
The party said no amount of intimidation or political pressure would prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences ahead of the 2027 elections.
It added that the country requires competent and unifying leadership capable of addressing current challenges and restoring public confidence in governance.
