Keyamo: Coalition’s Shift to ADC Strengthens APC Ahead of 2027

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the move by opposition politicians into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a development that ultimately strengthens the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo argued that the coalition’s public alignment with the ADC amounts to an abandonment of their former parties—primarily the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—which he said is legally significant.

“By law, individuals cannot belong to more than one political party at a time. Doing so is a ground for disqualification from elections,” Keyamo wrote. “Today’s event marks the formal dismemberment of the PDP, which was once Nigeria’s strongest opposition party.”

He claimed that many PDP veterans, having lost control of the party to a younger generation, are now seeking new platforms. “That’s why the gathering today was made up of ‘former this’ and ‘former that’ from the PDP. It’s essentially a faction led by Atiku, searching desperately for the 2027 presidential ticket—nothing more, nothing less,” he stated.

‘Defections Take Nothing from APC’

Keyamo also dismissed suggestions that the coalition weakens the APC. He noted that some members of the new coalition include APC figures who opposed President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections or lost their constituencies. Their departure, he argued, only strengthens the party.

“It’s better for the APC—it’s like extracting the germ that was eating the kola nut from within,” he said.

Obi’s Role and the Challenge of Unity

Commenting on speculation about the role of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the opposition coalition, Keyamo said the group risks alienating Obi’s supporters if he is not given the presidential ticket.

“If you do not give Peter Obi the presidential ticket, you lose his supporters. It’s as simple as that,” he wrote. “And how can you make someone who won two regions [South-East and South-South] in the last election a running mate to someone who only won one region [North-East]?”

He described the coalition as “Atiku’s show simpliciter,” and warned that it could backfire. “The PDP and Labour Party may end up losing relevance, the ADC may gain some visibility, but the APC loses nothing,” he said.

‘APC Growing Stronger Since 2023’

Keyamo concluded that since the 2023 elections, the APC has grown stronger while opposition parties have become increasingly fragmented.

“When you look at the governors, senators, and honourable members who have joined the APC since 2023 and compare them with the few who have left, it’s clear who has the upper hand,” he said.

He urged the public to allow opposition politicians the constitutional right to assemble, while assuring that the APC-led government remains focused on delivering good governance.