Paragraph 1: Keyamo’s Assertion of APC Strength
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, contends that the recent political realignments, marked by the formation of a coalition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have paradoxically bolstered the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s position for the 2027 general elections. He posits that this coalition, comprising members from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), effectively weakens the opposition by fragmenting their support base. Keyamo underscores that the legal framework prohibits dual party membership, implying that those joining the ADC have effectively abandoned their previous political affiliations.
Paragraph 2: The “Dismemberment” of the PDP
Keyamo further argues that the coalition signifies a “formal dismemberment” of the PDP, which he identifies as the historically strongest opposition party in Nigeria. He attributes this fragmentation to internal strife within the PDP, claiming that the party’s old guard has been marginalized by Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists. This internal power struggle, according to Keyamo, has pushed numerous prominent PDP figures out of the party, leading them to seek new political avenues. Keyamo dismisses the new coalition as merely a faction of the PDP maneuvering to secure Atiku’s candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
Paragraph 3: APC Defectors and the “Germ” Analogy
Addressing the presence of former APC members within the newly formed coalition, Keyamo downplays their significance, asserting that their departure strengthens the APC. He characterizes them as a “germ” within the party that has now been expelled. He claims that these defectors actively opposed Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid in the previous election, implying that their exit purges the APC of internal dissent and consolidates support around the current administration. He suggests that their departure has no detrimental impact on the ruling party’s strength.
Paragraph 4: Peter Obi’s Role and the Presidential Ticket
Keyamo analyzes Peter Obi’s involvement in the coalition, suggesting that the PDP faction is attempting to exploit his considerable support base without offering him a genuine opportunity to secure the presidential ticket. He argues that the coalition’s true intention is to leverage Obi’s popularity to advance Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspirations. Keyamo questions the logic of relegating Obi to a vice-presidential role, given his strong performance in the previous election, where he secured significant votes in the South-East and South-South regions.
Paragraph 5: The Shifting Political Landscape and the APC’s Gains
Keyamo concludes that the recent political realignments have ultimately weakened the opposition while leaving the APC unscathed. He predicts that the PDP and Labour Party will experience losses, while the ADC gains a “caricature” of influence. He reiterates that the APC has not only remained intact but has become stronger since the 2023 elections, citing the influx of governors, senators, and House of Representatives members into the ruling party. He contrasts this with the limited number of defections from the APC, further emphasizing his point that the APC remains the more attractive political force.
Paragraph 6: Focus on Governance and the Right to Associate
Keyamo ends his analysis by emphasizing the APC’s focus on governance, allowing the opposition to exercise their constitutional rights of association and assembly. He projects an air of confidence, suggesting that the APC is unconcerned by the opposition’s maneuvers and remains focused on the task of governing. This final statement reinforces his earlier assertions that the APC has emerged stronger from the recent political shifts and is well-positioned for future electoral contests.
