The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised leading opposition figures for staging a protest in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing them of attempting to coerce the government over the recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The demonstration, held under the banner “Save Our Democracy,” featured former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal. The politicians carried ADC banners while demanding the protection of democratic institutions.
The protest came after INEC de-recognised the leadership of the ADC faction headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Reacting on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), Keyamo questioned the rationale of the protest and criticised the opposition leaders, arguing that the faction at the centre of the dispute lacked significant electoral support.
“So, the survival of our democracy is now anchored on the recognition of one faction of one of the 21 registered political parties we have in this country?” he wrote.
He noted that the faction, even when recognised, had failed to win a single council seat in the recent FCT election. Keyamo added that the protesters appeared to be trying to override legal processes through public pressure.
“Democracy now means their own logic in the media space MUST be accepted and our judiciary processes ignored?” he questioned.
The minister concluded by accusing the opposition of seeking to manipulate public opinion. “These fellows think they can blackmail everyone to do their bidding at all costs. Unfortunately for them, Nigerians are not so gullible,” Keyamo said.
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