Yemi Obafemi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for making public his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the national mourning period for late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Keyamo described Atiku’s timing as “a calculated attempt to divert national attention from a solemn moment to himself.”
Atiku had, in a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, formally announced his resignation from the party. He cited his dissatisfaction with what he termed a deviation from the party’s founding principles.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” Atiku wrote in the letter.
However, Keyamo questioned the timing and motive behind the release, stating:
“Your Excellency, @atiku, while I acknowledge your constitutional right to change political parties at any time, the release of your resignation letter from the PDP during the week of mourning for our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and redirect it onto yourself.”
Keyamo further alleged that the letter was prepared, signed, and submitted the very morning after Buhari’s death was announced, suggesting a lack of empathy.
He also accused Atiku of inappropriately using Nigeria’s Coat of Arms on the letterhead of his resignation letter, despite no longer being a government official.
“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue using the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications. You ceased to be a functionary of the Federal Government over 18 years ago. Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 makes this an offence,” he stated.
“Morally, it is reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority it represents. It borders on impersonation.”
He warned that if former public officials were allowed to use national symbols in personal or political contexts, it could cause widespread confusion.
Keyamo concluded by reaffirming his obligation as a Cabinet member and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to uphold the Constitution and protect the country’s laws.
