Keyamo Dismisses Concerns Over Atiku’s Potential Absence from 2027 Ballot

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has publicly addressed concerns regarding the potential absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential ballot. Speaking during an interview on the program Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM, Keyamo argued that the political landscape would remain stable regardless of the participation of high-profile candidates.

Reframing the Political Narrative

Keyamo’s comments come amid ongoing leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The minister emphasized that the exclusion of any individual from an election should not be framed as a threat to the nation’s democratic integrity. He urged stakeholders to view judicial interventions as a standard part of the legal process rather than as evidence of political interference.

Historical Precedents and Judicial Independence

To support his position, the minister pointed to the 2019 electoral cycle in Zamfara State, where the Supreme Court nullified the victories of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates across multiple levels of government. Keyamo noted that despite the removal of the governor, deputy governor, and various legislative members, the country continued to function.

“Heaven did not fall when the same court sacked all our candidates in Zamfara a few years ago. Not just candidates who had won elections. The governor, the deputy governor, all members of the House of Assembly, all the senators and all members of the House of Representatives,” Keyamo stated.

He argued that if the ruling party could accept such a significant judicial outcome, the same standard should apply to opposition parties currently involved in internal disputes.

Addressing Allegations of Interference

The minister explicitly denied claims that President Bola Tinubu or the APC have orchestrated the internal crises within the ADC. Keyamo stated that the ruling party has no obligation to assist opposition groups in resolving their internal conflicts. He remarked that from a strategic standpoint, a fragmented opposition is advantageous for the APC, noting, “The more they are in disarray, the better for us.”

Strategic Outlook for 2027

Keyamo also provided insight into the APC’s electoral strategy, expressing a preference for a divided opposition. He suggested that it is in the ruling party’s interest for prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to contest the election separately. He warned against the formation of a unified opposition coalition, which he suggested would present a more significant challenge to the APC.

In conclusion, the minister reiterated that grievances within political parties should be settled through the judiciary. He maintained that the court is simply responding to complaints filed by members who allege their rights were violated during internal party processes, and he called for these legal proceedings to continue without external pressure.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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