The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of being concerned about the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s growing political influence in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Keyamo made the allegation in a statement titled, “Why Atiku Abubakar Is Particularly Jittery About the Kaduna Flag-off,” in which he criticised what he described as online attacks against the APC ahead of its campaign rally in Kaduna State.
The minister alleged that videos circulating online showing the removal of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign posters were staged to create the impression that the President was losing support in the North.
He also dismissed a purported letter claiming that N2.3 trillion had been earmarked for the Kaduna rally as fake, arguing that it was intended to portray the ruling party as using financial inducements to attract supporters.
However, Keyamo did not provide evidence in the statement to substantiate his claims about the videos or the purported letter.
He argued that Atiku’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 election relied heavily on northern votes, while the former vice-president faced difficulties securing sufficient support in the southern part of the country.
Keyamo cited the 2023 presidential election, claiming that Atiku lost across the North-Central states and all southern states except Osun State.
According to the minister, Atiku had underestimated Tinubu’s appeal in northern Nigeria but was now concerned about the APC’s political structures and support base in the region.
He further argued that even a strong performance by Atiku in parts of the North might not guarantee victory without significant support from the Middle Belt and southern states.
Drawing a comparison with former President Muhammadu Buhari, who secured substantial northern support during the 2015 presidential election, Keyamo maintained that Atiku’s political background differed from Buhari’s.
The minister also made corruption-related allegations against Atiku but did not present supporting evidence for the claims in his statement.
The exchange comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and potential presidential contenders seek to strengthen their support bases across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.