Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a second term in office, describing the 2027 presidential election as a “coronation” rather than a competitive contest.
Keyamo made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television while defending the performance of the Tinubu administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Keyamo dismisses opposition’s chances
Responding to a question about the opposition, particularly Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the minister said he could not see where Obi’s support would come from in the next presidential election.
“I’m looking around, between you and me, where will Obi’s votes come from? I can’t see it,” Keyamo said.
He also dismissed suggestions that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would pose a major challenge to the APC.
“Which Atiku? Nightmare, who?” he said.
Minister predicts Tinubu victory
Keyamo said his confidence in Tinubu’s re-election was based on what he described as demographic calculations rather than political arrogance.
“I want to make a profound statement, as a closing statement. Not out of arrogance, not out of overconfidence, but out of pure demographic calculations, the 2027 election is a coronation, not an election,” he said.
However, the minister stressed that his remarks should not be interpreted as overconfidence. Instead, he maintained that his prediction reflected his assessment of the country’s political landscape.
APC victories strengthen confidence
Keyamo also pointed to recent electoral victories by the APC as evidence of the party’s growing support across the country.
“But we have won in Ekiti now. We told them to vote, they voted. FCT, they voted. We won! We won!” he said.
As the interview ended, the minister appeared to issue a warning to opposition parties.
“Jungle is about to be mature. Everywhere go blur for them. Everywhere go blur,” he added.
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