“NDC’s One-Term Southern Ticket Is Political 419” — Keyamo Slams Opposition Plan for 2027

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has criticised the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for only one term, describing the move as deceptive and politically driven.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, Keyamo said the arrangement was designed to mislead Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

He compared the proposal to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 commitment to serve only one full term if elected.

“The decision of NDC to zone its Presidential ticket to the south for JUST ONE TERM is an audacious attempt to hoodwink Nigerians,” Keyamo wrote.

The minister questioned how such an agreement could be enforced if Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, eventually emerges as the party’s flagbearer and wins the election.

According to him, there would be no assurance that the candidate would remain bound by the zoning arrangement after assuming office.

“So, what happens if Peter Obi changes his Party, assuming he wins, or as leader of the NDC he gets the NEC of the Party to reverse the decision, if in the unlikely event he wins?” he asked.

Keyamo also argued that the proposal reflected uncertainty within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

He said the move underestimated Nigerians and exposed what he described as desperation among opposition figures seeking power.

“This is an insult on the sensibilities of Nigerians; it smacks of outright desperation and actually accentuates the dilemma of the opposition as a whole in the 2027 Presidential elections,” he stated.

Dismissing the arrangement entirely, the minister described it as lacking credibility and seriousness.

“It is just a joke taken too far; it is nothing but political 419,” Keyamo said.