The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has sharply criticised the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) over its decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as a deceptive political strategy with no real substance.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard on Sunday, Keyamo dismissed the zoning arrangement as “political 419,” arguing that it lacks credibility and enforceability.
According to him, the decision does not provide any binding assurance to Nigerians, as it could easily be reversed by the party’s leadership if circumstances change.
“The decision of NDC is an insult on the sensibilities of Nigerians; it is nothing but political 419,” Keyamo said.
“What happens if Peter Obi changes party, or if the party leadership reverses the decision? This is a joke taken too far.”
The minister further questioned the practicality of internal party zoning agreements, noting that such resolutions are often subject to the discretion of party executives and therefore unreliable as a long-term political commitment.
Jonathan’s Eligibility Dismissed
On the issue of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Keyamo maintained that the ex-leader is constitutionally barred from contesting the presidency again.
He argued that Jonathan’s tenure — having first completed the term of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua between 2010 and 2011, before winning a full term from 2011 to 2015 — places him outside the constitutional limit of two terms.
Keyamo expressed confidence that any attempt by Jonathan to run would ultimately be struck down by the courts.
“Jonathan is not constitutionally eligible to run — it is as simple as that. The Supreme Court will most likely disqualify him,” he stated.
PDP Crisis and Legal Concerns
The minister also referenced ongoing internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly the faction reportedly linked to Turaki Umar.
According to Keyamo, the faction lacks legal standing to nominate candidates, further complicating any potential presidential bid associated with it.
He described the situation as a “double tragedy” for Jonathan, suggesting that both constitutional barriers and party legitimacy issues make any such ambition untenable.
Political Implications for 2027
Keyamo’s remarks add to the growing debate surrounding zoning, party cohesion, and constitutional interpretation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
While the NDC’s zoning move was aimed at addressing regional balance, critics like Keyamo argue that without enforceable mechanisms, such declarations remain symbolic and potentially misleading to voters.
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