Keyamo Slams Atiku Over Resignation Timing, Accuses Him of Politicising National Mourning

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the timing of his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as an insensitive move aimed at diverting attention from the nation’s period of mourning.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Keyamo expressed disapproval of Atiku’s announcement, which came just a day after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Your Excellency, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo stated.

He further added, “With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.”

In addition to questioning the timing of the resignation, Keyamo raised concerns about Atiku’s continued use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in his private and political communications.

“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 when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago,” he wrote.

Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Keyamo argued that such use “borders on impersonation” and affirmed his responsibility “as a cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution.”

Atiku, in a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, announced his departure from the PDP—a party he helped to establish.

“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his political journey, the 78-year-old former vice president added, “Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.”

Atiku served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo and ran unsuccessfully for president in 2019 and 2023 under the PDP banner.

His latest defection is seen as part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. He has joined forces with other high-profile opposition figures—including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai—under a new coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu.

The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, with former Senate President David Mark named interim national chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.

This marks Atiku’s third defection from the PDP in his decades-long political career, which has seen him run for office under various platforms, including the Action Congress in 2007 and the APC in 2015 before returning to the PDP in 2017.