Keyamo Urges Jonathan to Reject PDP Faction’s 2027 Presidential Nomination

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly reject a presidential nomination reportedly offered to him by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Keyamo stated that the PDP faction which announced Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election is not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and therefore lacks legal standing.

A faction of the PDP led by Tanimu Turaki had recently announced Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This development came weeks after another faction aligned with supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, named Senator Sandy Onor as its own presidential candidate.

Reacting in a post on X on Sunday, Keyamo described the situation as a “bizarre comedy,” criticising those behind the announcement and questioning their legitimacy.

He said, “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.”

The minister further questioned how a presidential ticket could be issued by individuals and groups not recognised as registered political actors by INEC, describing the development as misleading and politically unserious.

Keyamo added that such actions risk dragging respected political figures into what he termed a “charade,” warning that it could damage public perception of those involved.

He urged Jonathan to distance himself from the nomination, insisting that the former president should issue a clear rejection to protect his international reputation and political legacy.

“For the sake of his global image, President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately issue a strong ‘no, thank you’ statement,” Keyamo said.

Jonathan has not yet publicly responded to the reported nomination by the Turaki-led PDP faction, leaving uncertainty around his political position ahead of the 2027 election cycle.