Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urges former President Jonathan to reject Turaki-led PDP presidential ticket, calls it “bizarre comedy taken too far.”
Keyamo further urged Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the development in order to safeguard his international reputation.
“For the sake of his global image, President Goodluck Jonathan must IMMEDIATELY issue a strong ‘no, thank you’ statement,” he said.
The minister warned that failure to reject the alleged move could revive memories of the “clueless” narrative that trailed Jonathan’s administration and contributed to his defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
He noted that Jonathan remained “the first sitting President to be so ousted” in Nigeria’s political history.
Keyamo’s comments followed claims by the Turaki-led faction of the PDP that Jonathan had emerged as its presidential candidate and flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
The faction had also accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and security agencies of attempting to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja, where the declaration was reportedly made.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
Mohammed’s faction of the opposition party is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The PDP has remained embroiled in an internal leadership crisis that resulted in the emergence of rival factions.
While the Tanimu Turaki faction, backed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, lays claim to the party leadership on one side, the group aligned with Wike controls the other faction.