Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has publicly refuted claims suggested by campaign posters that he is eyeing the governorship position in Delta State for the 2027 election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His Special Assistant on Political Matters, Voke Oshasha, issued a press statement on Monday labeling the posters as “fake” and an attempt at “cheap blackmail” by those trying to monopolize control over the APC in Delta State.
Oshasha emphasized that these posters are a misrepresentation of Keyamo’s and other APC leaders’ efforts to ensure the party in Delta becomes more democratic and inclusive rather than being controlled by one individual. He stated, “Our attention has been drawn to some fake posters circulating online, suggesting that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, is interested in running for Governor of Delta State in 2027 on the platform of the APC. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
He further highlighted Keyamo’s history of opposing tyranny, mentioning his past alongside President Bola Tinubu in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), indicating Keyamo’s commitment to resisting any form of dictatorship, whether military or civilian. Oshasha stressed the collective effort of APC leaders in Delta to strengthen the party, ensuring it doesn’t decline into factionalism:
“Mr Keyamo has a long history of fighting military dictatorships and injustice, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of NADECO fame, and he has no reservations about resisting civilian dictatorship either… APC leaders in Delta have built a formidable alliance to prevent the party’s decline in the state.”
He clarified that no one is being excluded from the party’s activities, reinforcing the principle of inclusivity and democratic participation within Delta APC, “For emphasis: no one is excluded or shut out. That is the simple message. Everyone must work collectively, rather than kneeling in someone’s village to form structures or beg for tickets. Democratic ideals must shine through in Delta APC.”
Despite Keyamo’s clear denial, some political stakeholders speculate that these posters might be a strategic move to test political waters, potentially setting up a contest against former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, another speculated contender for the governorship. However, Keyamo’s team remains firm on their stance, underscoring that these attempts at blackmail will not deter the minister from his goals of promoting a more open and democratic APC in Delta State.
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