Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has lambasted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the timing of his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of seeking political attention during a period of national mourning.
In a post on his verified X account, Keyamo expressed dismay that Atiku chose to release his resignation letter during the week Nigeria was mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Releasing your letter of resignation during this solemn week clearly shifts the spotlight from a moment of national grief to personal ambition,” Keyamo said. “This shows, with the greatest respect, that your obsession with the presidency lacks basic empathy.”
The minister also shared an image of the resignation letter, alleging that it was typed, signed, and submitted just hours after Buhari’s death was announced on July 13.
Keyamo further accused Atiku of flouting federal law by continuing to use Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in private and political documents, despite having left government office nearly two decades ago.
He pointed to Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act (Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation, 2004), which prohibits such use without authorisation and defines it as an offence.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, announced his departure from the PDP citing irreconcilable differences with the party’s direction. His decision has sparked political debate, with some seeing it as strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
