Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has sharply criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the timing of his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of political insensitivity and legal impropriety.
In a statement posted to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo faulted Atiku for making his resignation public just a day after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling the move a calculated ploy to shift national attention away from a period of mourning.
“Your Excellency, while I fully recognise your constitutional right to switch political parties, releasing your resignation letter from the PDP during this week of national grief over the death of former President Buhari is nothing short of an attempt to hijack the moment for personal political gain,” Keyamo wrote.
He described Atiku’s action as lacking compassion and empathy, stating that it underscored the former vice president’s relentless presidential ambition.
“This clearly demonstrates that your obsession with the presidency knows no bounds—not even during a solemn national moment.”
Beyond the political criticism, Keyamo also raised legal red flags regarding Atiku’s continued use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in private and political correspondences—most notably in his resignation letter.
Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the minister warned that such use by a non-public official amounts to unauthorised representation of the Nigerian government.
“It is both morally and legally wrong to use the Coat of Arms in personal political communication when you have not held a public office for over 18 years. This borders on impersonation,” Keyamo said, adding that as a cabinet minister and senior lawyer, he was duty-bound to uphold the law.
The 78-year-old had officially resigned from the PDP in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the ward chairman of Jada 1, his home constituency in Adamawa State.
Citing “irreconcilable differences” and a departure from the founding principles of the PDP, Atiku said the party had “strayed from the ideals” that inspired its creation.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. I believe the current trajectory of the PDP no longer aligns with the foundational values we once stood for,” he wrote.
His exit marks the third time Atiku has left the PDP since 1999. He previously contested presidential elections under the Action Congress in 2007 and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, before returning to the PDP in 2017.
Atiku’s defection is widely seen as part of a broader opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. He has joined a newly formed coalition, comprising opposition heavyweights such as Peter Obi (Labour Party), Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and others.
The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political vehicle.
Former Senate President David Mark has been named interim national chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola serves as interim national secretary of the alliance.
