Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the national mourning of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Keyamo aired his views in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, shortly after Atiku officially dumped the opposition party, which he represented as the presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
While acknowledging that Atiku had the constitutional right to change parties, Keyamo condemned the timing of the announcement, arguing that it sought to divert national attention during a solemn period.
“Releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of mourning… is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo wrote.
He further alleged that Atiku signed and submitted the resignation letter the morning after Buhari’s death was made public:
“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” he said.
Keyamo also took issue with Atiku’s use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in his personal political communication. According to the minister, the act is illegal and misleading, given that Atiku has not held any government office in nearly two decades.
Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Keyamo stated:
“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications.”
He warned that such use borders on impersonation, adding:
“Imagine a situation where all former government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms… There would certainly be confusion everywhere.”
Keyamo concluded by emphasizing his duty as both a Cabinet member and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to uphold the constitution:
“Please, be well guided.”
