2027: Keyamo Accuses Atiku of Hypocrisy Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Government

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of hypocrisy over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria.

Keyamo made the accusation in a post on his X account while responding to Atiku’s recent remarks on the rising cost of living and the security challenges facing the country.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had expressed concern over the difficulties confronting Nigerian households, saying many families were struggling to afford basic necessities while citizens continued to live in fear of kidnappings and attacks.

The former vice-president also urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for Nigerians to use their votes to demand better governance.

Reacting, Keyamo challenged Atiku to account for the record of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which he served as vice-president.

Focusing on the aviation sector, the minister recalled the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004, alleging that the decision left thousands of workers unemployed and their families in financial hardship.

“Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, this is hypocrisy at its peak! Let me just talk only about the sector that I head, Aviation,” Keyamo wrote.

He further alleged that the former employees were left without their pensions and gratuities, which he said amounted to billions of naira.

According to the minister, the Tinubu administration had approved and released N36 billion to settle outstanding entitlements owed to the affected workers and provide relief to their families.

Keyamo said some beneficiaries had begun receiving payment notifications, adding that the workers’ union had recently recognised Tinubu for addressing the longstanding issue.

He questioned Atiku’s criticism of the current administration, arguing that the former vice-president should also be held accountable for decisions taken by the government in which he served.

The minister further accused Atiku of taking credit for the achievements of the Obasanjo administration when convenient while distancing himself from its decisions when faced with criticism.

“When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit of the Obasanjo-Atiku government and when not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President,” Keyamo stated.

He also accused the ADC presidential candidate of attempting to mislead younger Nigerians who might be unfamiliar with the history of Nigeria Airways and the circumstances surrounding its liquidation.

Atiku has continued to criticise the Tinubu administration over economic hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of essential goods and services, making these issues central to his opposition to the government ahead of the 2027 elections.

The exchange underscores the intensifying political confrontation between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures as the country moves towards another general election, with both sides challenging each other’s records in office and proposed approaches to governance.