The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as ill-conceived.
Keyamo, in an interview with Vanguard, questioned the practicality of a proposed merger among opposition parties, arguing that it would create complications for candidates contesting other offices.
He asked, “They are a confused lot. Team up under which banner? What happens to the candidates for other offices on both sides who will be on the ballot same day?.
“Will they be campaigning against themselves and then campaign together for one presidential candidate?”
The minister further warned that such an arrangement could alienate party members already preparing for elections.
“Or are they prepared to throw them under the bus now as a result of their blind ambition?” he said.
“For instance, all the other ADC and PDP candidates already warming up for various offices… you think you will drop some of them this last minute… and they will still remain loyal to you?”
Keyamo drew a distinction between political rhetoric and strategic organisation, insisting that coalition-building requires more than public declarations.
“The problem with these characters is that they think this whole thing is about sermonising, not organising,” he said.
Referencing previous attempts at opposition alliances, Keyamo warned that similar last-minute arrangements had failed in the past.
Keyamo added, “In 2011, the CPC and ACN tried to do something like this at the last minute, but it ended in fiasco.
“So, these characters are in for a long night and a rude shock on the road to 2027.”
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the remarks come after leading opposition figures met in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they pledged to present a joint presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The meeting brought together key figures from the African Democratic Congress and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Among those present were Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Kabiru Turaki.