Keyamo Warns Atiku and Obi Against Double Party Loyalty Ahead of 2027 Elections

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that political figures involved in the newly formed opposition coalition risk breaching the constitution if they remain active in two political parties at once.

His remarks follow the recent adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the chosen platform for the 2027 elections by key opposition leaders.

Responding to the development, Keyamo pointed out that some of the politicians publicly aligning with the ADC are still officially registered members of other parties, notably the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He warned that this dual allegiance is not only improper but could also lead to disqualification under Nigerian electoral law.

He stressed that by openly associating with the ADC, those involved have effectively abandoned their original parties, whether or not they have formally resigned. According to Keyamo, the constitution and electoral laws do not allow individuals to belong to more than one political party at the same time, especially when it comes to contesting for public office.

In his assessment, the formation of the ADC-led coalition shows a breakdown within the PDP. He said the party’s older political figures have been pushed out by younger members, leading to what he described as a migration of veteran politicians searching for a new base and political survival.

Keyamo dismissed the presence of a few APC members in the new alliance, saying they were either disloyal during the 2023 elections or had lost influence in their constituencies. Their defection, he argued, cleanses the ruling party of weak links and has no damaging effect on APC’s structure.

He maintained that the gathering of opposition figures under the ADC was largely a faction of the PDP, rallying around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his continued bid for the presidency. According to Keyamo, the coalition is less about a fresh political force and more about recycled leadership trying to regain lost ground.

The formal announcement of the coalition took place during a high-level meeting in Abuja, where former Senate President David Mark was appointed interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary. The political group also includes influential names like Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.

As the 2027 election draws nearer, legal questions around party loyalty, internal party structure, and leadership roles could shape the strength and survival of the coalition. For now, Keyamo insists that only clear and lawful party affiliation will protect any aspirant from legal trouble.