Keyamo to Jonathan: Reject PDP Presidential Ticket to Protect Your Global Image

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, says former President Goodluck Jonathan must reject the presidential ticket handed to him for the sake of his global image.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki announced Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election on Saturday.

The decision was made in Jonathan’s absence.

Though the statesman has yet to make any public statement about his intention to run for office, there has been widespread speculation about his political return ahead of the 2027 polls.

Keyamo said the Turaki-led PDP faction’s decision amounted to a “bizarre comedy”. The PDP faction backed by Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is some kind of bizarre comedy taken too far by supposedly grown adults and some names that were actually in the corridors of power at some point in this country,” Keyamo said.

“Giving a whole Presidential ticket to an ex-President and statesman by proxy and by a bunch of people not even registered on INEC’s website. And they don’t give a hoot dragging such a revered figure into their charade that is certainly a journey to nowhere. Quite sad.

“For the sake of his global image, President Goodluck Jonathan must IMMEDIATELY issue a strong ‘no, thank you’ statement, lest Nigerians begin to recall the ‘clueless’ campaign that got him out of power – first sitting President to be so ousted.”

Although Jonathan was not present at the venue, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the house of representatives from Bayelsa state.

TheCable understands that a date for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to Jonathan would be announced in due course.