A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as arguments over zoning, opposition strategy, and the political roles of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exchange, which has played out in the public space, reflects growing tensions within Nigeria’s political environment as opposition forces attempt to reorganise and position themselves against the ruling establishment.
Festus Keyamo, a senior figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), questioned the credibility and consistency of opposition narratives surrounding zoning and power rotation, particularly as new alliances begin to take shape.
Keyamo argued that some opposition figures who once opposed zoning arrangements are now invoking regional balance as a political tool, depending on what best serves their ambitions.
He accused opposition actors of recycling old political faces while presenting them as symbols of change, warning Nigerians to be cautious of what he described as “rebranded political coalitions.”
In a swift response, the African Democratic Congress rejected Keyamo’s claims, describing them as dismissive and deliberately misleading.
The ADC maintained that zoning remains a legitimate and sensitive national issue, especially in a deeply diverse country like Nigeria where equity and inclusion continue to shape political stability.
The party insisted that opposition politics should not be reduced to personal attacks but should focus on ideas, competence, and the urgent need to rescue the country from economic hardship and governance failures.
ADC leaders also addressed comments referencing Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, noting that both figures represent significant political tendencies within Nigeria’s democratic space.
According to the party, Atiku’s long-standing involvement in national politics and Obi’s reform-driven appeal among youths and professionals highlight the depth of dissatisfaction with the current political order.
The ADC argued that dismissing these figures ignores the millions of Nigerians who continue to align with their messages of restructuring, accountability, and economic reform.
The party further stated that opposition realignment is a normal feature of democratic evolution, especially as 2027 approaches.
ADC officials stressed that opposition politics should not be framed as desperation but as a collective response to widespread public frustration over insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and declining living standards.
They accused the ruling party of attempting to delegitimise alternative platforms rather than addressing pressing national concerns.
Political observers note that the Keyamo–ADC exchange reflects a broader struggle over narrative control as political actors reposition themselves.
Analysts say zoning, once considered a settled convention, is again becoming a flashpoint as parties test which arguments resonate most with voters.
The involvement of Atiku and Obi in these debates underscores their continued relevance, despite being outside the current federal power structure.
As political camps sharpen their messaging, Nigerians are witnessing early signs of what may become a fiercely contested pre-election season.
The debate between Keyamo and the ADC signals that opposition politics, far from fading, is entering a new and confrontational phase, one likely to shape alliances, rhetoric, and voter expectations in the build-up to 2027.
