The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is over the candidacy of former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan in next year’s presidential election.
The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN-led PDP had adopted the former president as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The faction, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the recent comments by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, concerning the affirmation of Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election betrayed the APC’s nervousness.
PDP stated that Nigerians have not forgotten that under Jonathan’s administration, the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere.
“It is therefore not surprising that many citizens are prevailing on him to return to power to offer stability, national healing and more importantly to reduce the political temperature of the country,” the statement added.
The party advised Keyamo to devote his energy to addressing the numerous challenges facing the aviation sector and the APC administration of which he is a part.
“Nigerians are far more interested in solutions to the worsening economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power, and the growing insecurity across the country than in unsolicited political advice directed at President Jonathan.
“A minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is not the best person to offer advice to a former president,” PDP said.
The party noted that under the APC administration, Nigerians are witnessing unprecedented economic difficulties, repeated collapse of critical infrastructure, rising unemployment, and corruption scandals that continue to raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in government.
“These are the issues deserving of the Minister’s commentary and advice to the incumbent president,” it said.
PDP assured Keyamo and the APC that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, or scaremongering could prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe could help reposition the country.
“Democracy guarantees citizens the right to make such choices without interference from those who presently occupy public office,” PDP said.
According to the party, Nigerians are more focused on the need for competent, unifying, and selfless leadership that places national interest above personal ambition and prioritises the stability and progress of the country over partisan calculations.
It called Keyamo to advise the APC-led administration to address the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians and stop lecturing them on governance and political judgement.
