Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has launched a blistering attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of exploiting a period of national mourning for political gain following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a strongly worded statement, Keyamo criticized the timing of Atiku’s resignation letter, which surfaced shortly after the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari. He alleged that the move was deliberately calculated to divert public attention away from the solemn national event and redirect it toward Atiku’s personal political ambition.
Your Excellency, @atiku, whilst I acknowledge your constitutional right to change political parties at any time, releasing your letter of resignation during the week Nigeria mourns former President Muhammadu Buhari is a clear attempt to draw the spotlight away from a moment of national reflection,” Keyamo said.
He went further to accuse Atiku of lacking empathy, claiming the letter was “prepared, typed, signed, and delivered” less than 24 hours after Buhari’s death was announced.
This clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo added.
Beyond timing, Keyamo also raised legal concerns over Atiku’s continued use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in his personal or political communications. According to him, such usage is both morally questionable and a breach of the law, citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
It is legally wrong to continue using the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government when you ceased to be a public official over 18 years ago. Morally, it borders on impersonation,” he argued.
Keyamo warned that normalizing such practices would create widespread confusion, particularly if other former officials began using national symbols to lend undue weight to personal or political activities.
As a cabinet minister and a member of the Inner Bar, I have a bounden duty to protect our laws and uphold the Constitution,” he emphasized.
In closing, Keyamo called on Atiku to act within the bounds of legality and decency, urging him to be “well guided” moving forward.
This latest development adds to the ongoing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with Atiku’s next political move still shrouded in speculation.
