Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has sharply criticized the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led political coalition, calling it a “hollow” alliance with no meaningful future. The minister, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the opposition group during an interview with Arise News, asserting it lacks both structure and electoral viability.
Keyamo argued the ADC coalition, largely composed of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, represents “a journey to nowhere” due to its reliance on individuals he described as politically inactive or past their influence. “They are not people still holding sway in the PDP or in positions of power,” he said. “These are spent forces unable to mobilize significant votes.” The minister further claimed the coalition amounted to a desperate effort by former vice president and PDP stalwart Atiku Abubakar to revive “retired” politicians for a semblance of unity.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Nigeria, with the APC seeking to consolidate power ahead of future elections. Keyamo emphasized his party remains focused on governance, stating, “We are not resting our oars. The APC is alert and committed to delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.” He warned against underestimating political rivals but doubled down on his criticism of the ADC, branding any politician who dismisses opponents as “foolish.”
Analysts note Nigeria’s opposition landscape has grown increasingly fragmented since the 2023 general elections, with the PDP struggling to recover from internal divisions. The ADC, a smaller party historically, recently positioned itself as a rallying point for dissenting figures. However, Keyamo’s dismissal reflects the APC’s confidence in its dominance, despite ongoing economic challenges and public dissatisfaction over inflation and security issues.
While the ADC has yet to formally respond, the coalition’s ability to unify Nigeria’s fractured opposition—and counter the ruling party’s narrative—remains uncertain. Political observers suggest Keyamo’s comments underscore broader strategic efforts by the APC to marginalize emerging rivals early, framing them as irrelevant in the national discourse.
The development highlights the high-stakes nature of Nigeria’s political climate, where alliances shift rapidly and rhetoric often precedes tangible policy debates. As the country approaches regional elections, the effectiveness of both the APC’s governance pledges and the ADC’s coalition-building efforts will likely face intensified scrutiny.
