Keyamo Criticizes Atiku’s Tactics Ahead of APC Presidential Campaign in Kaduna

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has criticized Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign launch in Kaduna.

Keyamo described Atiku as a “butterfly that thinks it is a bird” due to his aggressive online attacks against the APC, especially in Northern Nigeria. He claimed that Atiku is relying on Northern votes for the 2027 elections, while lacking support in the South.

In a statement, Keyamo accused Atiku of using cheap tactics, such as staging events where people tear down posters of President Bola Tinubu and sharing videos of these actions online. He also mentioned a false claim about a large sum of money being spent to support the Kaduna rally, suggesting that Atiku aims to create a narrative that President Tinubu is being rejected in the North.

Keyamo emphasized that, given the current mood in the country, the South deserves to complete eight years in the presidency. He pointed out that Atiku lost in many areas during the last election, particularly in the Middle Belt and all Southern states except Osun.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Keyamo stated that with the APC’s strong presence in the North supporting Tinubu, Atiku’s hopes for Northern votes are fading. He argued that even if Atiku wins some Northern regions, it would not be enough to overcome losses in the Middle Belt and the South.

Keyamo concluded by comparing Atiku to former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that Atiku’s past makes him very different from Buhari, who had strong ethnic support in 2015.