Minister Warns PDP Against Fielding Jonathan or Obi in 2027, HURIWA Chides Politicking

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding former President Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027. Keyamo warned that the opposition party risks serious consequences if it relies on either Jonathan or Obi, citing constitutional dangers tied to Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP remains in a non-enviable position after failing to zone its 2023 ticket to the South, a decision that Keyamo suggests cost the party support in its traditional strongholds in the South-south and South-east.
  • Nominating Jonathan could bar him from running again, potentially leaving the PDP with no candidate.
  • Keyamo emphasized that if the PDP fields its most attractive South-west candidate, no other region of the country will vote for a fresh Yoruba candidate eligible for fresh two terms in office.
  • The PDP would face similar challenges if it woos back Peter Obi, who also faces potential constitutional hurdles.
  • HURIWA described Keyamo's advice as insensitive and diversionary, warning that ministers should focus on managing the economy rather than engaging in premature election permutations.
  • Former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai predicted that President Bola Tinubu will come third in the 2027 presidential election, potentially leading to a runoff without Tinubu.
  • El-Rufai accused President Tinubu of mismanaging the economy, stating that 30 million more Nigerians have been impoverished in the last two years.

Statistics:

  • 30 million Nigerians have been impoverished in the last two years as a result of economic policy.
  • The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, allegedly orchestrated an attack at the Kaduna ADC committee inauguration in Kaduna at the weekend.
  • The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) rejected El-Rufai's claim that they engage in ransom payments or inducements to bandits.
  • Between 2023 and 2025, hundreds of bandits were eliminated in Kaduna state.

Sources:

  • Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
  • Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
  • Nasir El-Rufai, Former Governor of Kaduna State
  • The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
  • Channels TV
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