2027: Keyamo Warns PDP Against Jonathan, Obi — Party Fires Back

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks serious setbacks if it fields either former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027. But the PDP swiftly rejected his caution, insisting that the minister has no authority to dictate its choices.

In a lengthy post on his X account on Thursday, Keyamo argued that Jonathan’s candidacy could be derailed by Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which bars anyone sworn in twice as president from contesting again. “If he is fielded, the party runs the risk of not having a candidate at all,” he wrote, warning that the Supreme Court would ultimately decide such a challenge, not public opinion. He added that the PDP would have itself to blame if it ignored this legal risk and lost its candidacy after nominations closed.

Turning to Peter Obi, Keyamo dismissed suggestions that bringing him back into the PDP would strengthen the opposition. He claimed doubts around Obi’s credibility, noting that his earlier one-term pledge could weaken support among his followers. “The principled ones among the ‘Obidients’ will see him as going back to his vomit … and may not be too vociferous in their support anymore,” he said.

Keyamo further ruled out the chances of a successful Southwest flagbearer for the PDP, arguing that no region would back a Yoruba candidate eligible for two fresh terms, particularly against the APC’s entrenched structures in the zone. According to him, the PDP’s current predicament stems from its “original sin” of not zoning the 2023 ticket to the South, a decision he said cost the party vital support. Unless “something extraordinary” happens, he predicted, the opposition may have to wait until 2031 to regain national relevance.

Reacting, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, blasted Keyamo’s comments as reckless and unbecoming of a minister. “I don’t know who Keyamo thinks he is to be warning the PDP. Such a reckless statement is unbecoming of a minister who is supposed to serve the Nigerian people,” he said.

Osadolor insisted the PDP is under no obligation to take advice from Keyamo or the ruling APC, framing the 2027 election as a battle between Nigerians and what he described as a “cabal” in power. “The 2027 election is far bigger than the thinking of Keyamo and those he works with. It will be a contest between the Nigerian people and the current cabal that has eroded the economy, infrastructure, and even the worth of Nigerian lives,” he declared.

The PDP youth leader also criticised the government’s record, citing insecurity, poor life expectancy, and questionable infrastructure spending. He challenged Keyamo to travel without escorts on the Abuja–Kano or Abuja–Damaturu highways “to see if he dares complete the journey.” On the ₦1 trillion budgeted for Lagos International Airport’s rehabilitation, Osadolor alleged that the funds could have built “more than five brand-new airports” if properly managed, accusing the government of inflating contracts to corner resources and buy political influence ahead of 2027.

“His beak is being wetted by the common patrimony of Nigerians, so he talks carelessly. But he cannot dictate to the PDP. He has no locus standi whatsoever on this matter,” he added.