Keyamo Criticizes Atiku Over PDP Exit Amid National Mourning for Buhari

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a period of national mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo expressed disapproval over the timing of Atiku’s announcement, which came just days after Buhari’s passing.

“Atiku, while it is within your constitutional rights to switch political parties at will, issuing your resignation letter from the PDP during a week of mourning for former President Muhammadu Buhari seems like an attempt to divert attention from this solemn period and redirect it toward yourself,” Keyamo stated.

He further claimed that Atiku had prepared and signed the resignation letter the morning after Buhari’s death was made public, suggesting what he described as a lack of empathy, allegedly driven by political ambition.

Keyamo also raised legal and ethical concerns over Atiku’s continued use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in his private and political communications, noting that he ceased to be a government official over 18 years ago.

He cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), which prohibits unauthorized use of national symbols, and warned that using the emblem without proper authority could amount to impersonation and legal violations.

“As a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar, I have a duty to uphold our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided,” he concluded.