Keyamo Slams Atiku for PDP Exit During Buhari Mourning Period

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

In a statement released on his X account on Wednesday, Keyamo described Atiku's timing as insensitive and self-serving, suggesting it was an attempt to redirect public attention from Buhari's passing to himself.

"Your Excellency, @atiku, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself," Keyamo stated.

The Aviation Minister further revealed that Atiku had prepared, signed, and delivered his resignation letter the morning after Buhari's death was announced, adding that "this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy."

Keyamo also took issue with Atiku's continued use of Nigeria's Coat of Arms in his communications, pointing out that the former Vice President left office 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 makes such usage an offense.

"Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation," Keyamo added.

Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, officially announced his departure from the opposition party on Wednesday. The development comes amid reports that Atiku, alongside former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and others, visited Buhari's graveside following the former president's passing.

In his resignation letter, Atiku reportedly described his decision to leave the PDP as "heartbreaking," though specific reasons for his exit were not immediately detailed in the public domain.

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