Minister Festus Keyamo accuses former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of exploiting national mourning for political gain, questions legality of using national symbols
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has harshly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) just a day after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Keyamo, in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, described Atiku’s timing as "insensitive" and an apparent bid to divert national attention from Buhari’s passing to himself.
“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 an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo wrote.
He went further, stating that Atiku's action reflects an “obsession” with his longstanding presidential ambition and a lack of empathy.
Keyamo also raised concerns over Atiku’s continued use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in personal and political communications. Quoting Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, he warned that the act "borders on impersonation" since Atiku has not held public office in over 18 years.
“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,” Keyamo noted, stressing his role as a legal professional and cabinet member in upholding constitutional norms.
Atiku, in a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman in his Jada 1 Ward, Adamawa State, officially parted ways with the party he helped found, citing “irreconcilable differences” and a deviation from the party’s founding principles.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign... I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken,” the 78-year-old wrote.
Atiku served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo and was the PDP’s presidential flag bearer in 2019 and 2023, both of which he lost.
His latest political move is seen as part of strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alongside fellow opposition heavyweights—Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—Atiku has joined forces under a new coalition adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.
The coalition has appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.
This marks Atiku’s third defection from the PDP, having previously contested elections under the Action Congress (2007), All Progressives Congress (2015), and returning to the PDP in 2017.
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