Choosing Jonathan or Obi could spell disaster for PDP in 2027, says Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has issued a grave warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning that selecting either former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for 2027 may lead to significant setbacks.

In a detailed post on his X account, Keyamo stated that the PDP finds itself in a “non-enviable position” after failing to properly zone its 2023 presidential ticket to the South, which he claims has already cost the party crucial support in traditional strongholds in the South-South and South-East regions.

Keyamo highlighted the potential legal ramifications of nominating Jonathan, referencing section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution that could prevent anyone who has already served two terms as president from contesting again. “If he is fielded, the party runs the RISK of NOT HAVING A CANDIDATE AT ALL,” Keyamo asserted, emphasizing that any resulting legal challenges would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.

He elaborated that the constitutional amendment was made after Jonathan was cleared to run in 2015, creating uncertainty regarding its implications. “All the arguments … will not be decided on social media, but at the Supreme Court,” he noted, stressing the importance of recognizing this judicial risk.

Keyamo also expressed doubts about the success of a South-West candidate for the PDP, suggesting that strong regional support would be necessary to compete effectively. “You need a majority of at least 3 to 4 regions in Nigeria to win the Presidency,” he explained.

Addressing Obi, Keyamo voiced concern that bringing him into the PDP fold would not resolve the party’s challenges. He suggested that Obi’s previous pledge to serve only one term might alienate his core supporters, saying, “The principled ones amongst the ‘Obidients’ will see him as going back to his vomit.”

In summary, Keyamo attributed the PDP’s current difficulties to its “original sin” of failing to appropriately zone the 2023 ticket. He warned that unless “something EXTRAORDINARY” happens, the party might have to wait until 2031 for another chance at the presidency.

As of now, the PDP has not publicly responded to Keyamo’s remarks.

Source: PUNCH