Atiku Abubakar’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, has dismissed claims by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is hesitant to zone its presidential ticket. Keyamo had stated that the ADC is afraid to zone its ticket, but Shaibu countered that the ruling party is actually fearful of the potential collaboration between Atiku and Peter Obi, which could disrupt their hold on power.
Shaibu argued that the obsession with zoning is not driven by a concern for national unity, but rather as a convenient talking point to discredit the opposition. He emphasized that zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional requirement, and that it is often used or ignored as convenient. Shaibu also criticized the administration’s use of government power to break opposition parties and silence critics, saying that coalitions do not intimidate democrats, but rather those who fear competition.
In response to Keyamo’s comments, Shaibu stated that the ADC’s decision not to zone its ticket is not a sign of fear, but rather a demonstration of the party’s commitment to giving Nigerians a choice. He added that the support for Atiku and Peter Obi is not based on foolishness, but rather on the fact that millions of Nigerians are hungry, angry, and exhausted with the current state of the country.
Shaibu also addressed Keyamo’s boast about his party’s “triumph” in the 2023 elections, saying that Nigerians are living with the consequences of that outcome every day, including rising food prices, worsening insecurity, and shrinking hope. He emphasized that the unity of Nigeria is not threatened by the coalition between Atiku and Peter Obi, but rather by poverty, injustice, exclusion, and a government that prioritizes power retention over nation-building.
The exchange between Shaibu and Keyamo highlights the ongoing debate about zoning and the role of opposition parties in Nigerian politics. As the country prepares for future elections, the discussion is likely to continue, with the ADC and other opposition parties pushing for a more inclusive and competitive political process.