The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to reject the presidential ticket offered by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging him to protect his global reputation. Keyamo emphasized that the PDP faction, led by Tanimu Turaki, is not officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making the nomination legally invalid. He described the move as a “bizarre comedy” orchestrated by individuals who once held power but are now engaged in a political charade with no real foundation.
Keyamo made his statement in a post on X, where he criticized the decision to hand over a presidential ticket to a former head of state by a group not registered on INEC’s official platform. He questioned the seriousness of the faction’s actions, noting that their efforts appear to be more about personal ambition than national interest. According to Keyamo, dragging a respected figure like Jonathan into such a process risks undermining his legacy and credibility on the international stage.
The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction had officially announced Jonathan as their presidential candidate for the 2027 election, a move that has sparked widespread debate. However, Keyamo pointed out that INEC does not recognize this faction as the legitimate PDP, meaning the nomination lacks legal standing. He warned that Jonathan’s acceptance could revive memories of his 2015 defeat, when he became the first sitting president in Nigeria’s history to be voted out of office, a moment often described as “clueless” in political circles.
Keyamo stressed that Jonathan should issue a firm “no, thank you” statement to distance himself from what he called a “journey to nowhere.” He argued that the former president’s reputation as a statesman must be preserved, especially as Nigeria continues to navigate complex political transitions. The minister’s comments reflect growing concerns over the fragmentation of major political parties and the rise of unregistered factions seeking to influence national elections.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the political landscape remains fluid, with multiple factions vying for control within major parties. Keyamo’s intervention adds to the national conversation about legitimacy, electoral integrity, and the role of former leaders in shaping the country’s future. His appeal to Jonathan underscores the importance of maintaining dignity and credibility in public service, even in times of political uncertainty. The coming months will likely see further developments as parties finalize their structures and candidates for the next election cycle.
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