Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the reported decision by the NDC coalition to zone its presidential ticket to the South for a single term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo made his position known in a statement shared on his official page on May 11, 2026, describing the arrangement as misleading and questioning its credibility and long-term viability.
According to him, the zoning plan amounts to “an audacious attempt to hoodwink Nigerians,” arguing that it raises several unanswered questions about political stability and party discipline within the coalition.
He also compared the proposal to a similar pledge made by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 to serve only one term, noting that political agreements of such nature are often difficult to sustain.
The minister further questioned what could happen if the arrangement is later altered or if the eventual presidential candidate defects from the coalition after winning the election.
“What happens if Peter Obi changes his party, assuming he wins, or as leader of the NDC he gets the NEC of the party to reverse the decision?” he asked.
Keyamo concluded that the development reflects what he described as growing desperation within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
