Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has taken a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the exit of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, mocking the party for what he described as poor handling of the situation.
In a statement on Thursday, Keyamo likened the ADC’s treatment of Obi to a failed romantic relationship, saying the party failed to secure his loyalty and is now reacting angrily after his departure.
Using a tongue-in-cheek analogy, the minister described ADC as a suitor who wanted commitment without offering it.
He said the party treated Obi as someone to be kept in a secondary position, rather than a primary choice, a decision he claimed eventually pushed him away.
“The beautiful woman, who knows her worth, walks away quietly to another suitor who values her,” Keyamo wrote, casting Obi as the “high-value figure” who moved on after being undervalued.
He added that the ADC, instead of reflecting on its internal issues, was now “going berserk” and criticising Obi after his exit.
Keyamo said the situation reflected a simple political reality: parties must offer clarity and commitment if they expect loyalty from high-profile figures.
Obi’s resignation from the ADC came after months of internal disagreements and leadership disputes within the party.
He said his decision followed deep reflection and repeated crises that made effective political participation difficult.
The former Anambra governor also referenced similar challenges that led to his earlier exit from the Labour Party, stressing that his moves were not driven by personal ambition but by the need for a more stable political platform.
His departure has already triggered wider political ripple effects, including reported defections of some lawmakers to the New Democratic Congress (NDC), further reshaping alliances ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Keyamo’s comments add another layer to the growing political fallout, as parties continue to trade blame over Obi’s exit and the broader realignments currently unfolding in Nigeria’s opposition space.
