2027: You’ve No Moral Authority to Advise Jonathan — PDP Blasts Keyamo

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his recent comments advising former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the faction said Keyamo lacked the moral authority to offer political advice to Jonathan, arguing that the minister built much of his public profile by criticising governments and public office holders.

The party’s reaction followed remarks attributed to Keyamo in which he urged the former president to abandon any plans of seeking a return to office in 2027.

The PDP faction recalled that it had already endorsed Jonathan as its preferred candidate for the next presidential election, describing attempts to discourage his potential candidacy as unnecessary interference in the democratic process.

According to the statement, it was ironic that Keyamo, who previously challenged governments, spoke against perceived injustices, and pursued legal actions in defence of democratic principles, now appeared uncomfortable with political parties and citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

The party also accused the minister of remaining silent on what it described as shrinking political space for opposition parties while focusing attention on the internal affairs of the PDP.

The statement urged Keyamo to concentrate on issues affecting the aviation sector and the broader administration rather than offering what it termed unsolicited political advice to the former president.

The faction further argued that Nigerians were more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power, and governance challenges than debates surrounding Jonathan’s political future.

It also criticised the performance of the ruling administration, claiming that citizens were facing increasing economic difficulties and other national challenges that deserved greater attention from government officials.

The PDP faction maintained that many Nigerians still remember Jonathan’s administration for political stability, economic growth, and investor confidence, adding that calls for his return were being driven by citizens seeking national unity and stability.

According to the statement, no amount of intimidation or political pressure would prevent Nigerians from supporting leaders they believe can help reposition the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest exchange highlights growing political tensions as parties and political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election, with debates intensifying over potential candidates and the future direction of the country.