Turaki PDP claims APC is jittery over Jonathan's 2027 candidacy

The Tanimu Turaki faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is increasingly nervous about the prospect of former President Goodluck Jonathan returning to power in 2027. The faction pointed to recent statements by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as clear indicators of the APC's anxiety.

In response to the Turaki-led PDP faction's announcement of Jonathan as their preferred 2027 presidential candidate in absentia, Keyamo publicly urged Jonathan to disassociate himself from both the party and the presidential race. The PDP faction, through its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, interpreted this reaction as a sign of "clear nervousness" from the APC.

The faction defended Jonathan's potential candidacy by highlighting Nigerians' positive recollections of his tenure, citing political stability, economic growth, stronger investor confidence, and greater national inclusion. They criticized Keyamo's stance, contrasting it with his past as a vocal critic of governments and public office holders.

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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.

"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 party stated. They urged the minister to focus his energy on addressing the numerous challenges plaguing the aviation sector and the broader administration, rather than interfering in the PDP's internal affairs.

The party further argued that Nigerians are more concerned with solutions to pressing issues like economic hardship, insecurity, and declining purchasing power than with unsolicited political advice to a former president. They questioned Keyamo's suitability to offer advice, referencing perceived failures in implementing policies like the cashless system and highlighting economic difficulties, infrastructure collapse, and corruption scandals under the current APC administration.

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Instead of concerning himself with the internal affairs of the PDP, the minister would do well to devote his energy to addressing the numerous challenges confronting the aviation sector and the wider administration of which he is a part.