Lagos, 16 July 2025 – Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has publicly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the national mourning period for the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a strongly worded statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo accused Atiku of attempting to divert attention from the solemn occasion of Buhari’s passing to his own political ambitions. Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, died recently, prompting a week of national mourning.
Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), addressed Atiku directly, acknowledging his right to switch political parties but condemning the timing. “Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political Parties at anytime you may wish, however, 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 wrote.
He further claimed that Atiku had prepared, typed, signed, and delivered the resignation letter the morning after Buhari’s death was announced, describing it as evidence of an “obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition” that “knows no sympathy or empathy.”
The minister also took issue with Atiku’s use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in his resignation letter, labelling it both morally and legally improper. Keyamo cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which prohibits such usage by individuals who are no longer federal functionaries. Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, ceased being a government official over 18 years ago.
“Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation,” Keyamo added, warning that widespread misuse by former officials could lead to confusion. He emphasised his duty as a cabinet member and member of the Inner Bar to uphold the nation’s laws and constitution, concluding with a pointed advisory: “Please, be well guided.”
Atiku’s resignation from the PDP comes amid speculation about his future political moves, having previously contested the presidency multiple times, including as the PDP’s candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections. The former vice president has not yet responded publicly to Keyamo’s remarks.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal ambitions often intersect with national events. As the country continues to mourn Buhari, known for his anti-corruption stance and infrastructure initiatives, observers are watching closely for any further developments in Atiku’s political trajectory.
