Keyamo Slams Opposition Protest in Abuja, Accuses Leaders of “Blackmail”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised prominent opposition politicians for taking to the streets of Abuja under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling their protest an attempt to “blackmail” the nation.

On Wednesday morning, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal marched in Abuja, demanding what they described as a “Save our Democracy” response following the de-recognition of the David Mark-led ADC leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting on X, Keyamo questioned the logic behind linking the survival of democracy to a single faction of one political party, noting that the faction had failed to secure a single council seat in the recent FCT elections.

He wrote: “So, the survival of our democracy is now anchored on the recognition of one faction of one of the 21 registered political parties we have in this country? The same faction, even when recognised, could not win a single Council seat in the just-concluded FCT election?”

The minister further challenged the idea that media narratives should override judicial processes, accusing the protesters of attempting to coerce public opinion and government action for personal political gain.

“These fellows think they can blackmail everyone to do their bidding AT ALL COST. Unfortunately for them, Nigerians are not so gullible,” he added.

Keyamo’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing political tensions surrounding the ADC, which has been actively challenging INEC’s suspension of recognition of its leadership.