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By Oscar Okhifo
A spokesperson for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Mr Paul Ibe has taken a swipe at the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his remarks concerning Atiku’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ibe accused Keyamo of abandoning his ministerial duties in favour of political grandstanding, labeling his comments as an act of sycophancy aimed at appeasing those in power who are paying his bills.
“He is just playing to the gallery. Sycophancy is the end game,” Ibe said, urging the Minister to focus on pressing aviation challenges such as dilapidated airport terminals and runway maintenance rather than meddling in political affairs.
Atiku on Wednesday, announced his resignation from the PDP, even as analysts expect his former defection to the ADC-led coalition to be announced in a matter of days.
The development drew sharp criticism from Keyamo, who described the timing of the resignation, barely days after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as inappropriate and insensitive.
Keyamo also accused Atiku of impersonation by allegedly using the Nigerian Coat of Arms on personal political communication.
Responding, Ibe dismissed the allegations, describing them as “minor distractions” by an official who should be “fixing Nigeria’s broken aviation infrastructure.”
He said, “Where was Keyamo when Atiku Abubakar was in the frontline battling the military for the return of democracy? His hypocrisy is nauseating.”
He further urged the minister to channel his energy into policy delivery rather than chasing media attention through partisan commentary.
The clash underscores growing political tensions as opposition figures reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.