Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the national mourning period for former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Keyamo accused Atiku of seeking political attention at a time when the nation was in grief over Buhari’s death.
“Your Excellency, @atiku, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of mourning for our former President is clearly an attempt to shift the spotlight onto yourself,” Keyamo wrote.
The minister further alleged that Atiku had signed and delivered his resignation letter the morning after the late President’s death was officially announced, suggesting a calculated move to draw public focus.
“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo added.
He also raised legal concerns about Atiku’s continued use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in personal and political communications, noting that he has not held any federal position in nearly two decades.
Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Keyamo warned that such usage constitutes an offence, regardless of past public service.
Atiku’s resignation from the PDP, made public earlier this week, cited irreconcilable differences with the party’s current trajectory. It comes just days after the passing of Buhari, who was buried on July 15 following Islamic rites in Daura, Katsina State.
