The Spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Paul Ibe, has responded to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo’s criticism, describing the comments as “sycophancy” and questioned his relevance.
Mr. Ibe who featured on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Thursday, defended Atiku’s use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms logo in his correspondences, stating that Atiku is a former vice president and known as such.
Ibe also encouraged Keyamo to focus on his duties as aviation minister rather than criticising Atikue, just as he emphasised that Atiku’s presidential ambition remained valid, citing his skills, experience, and vitality.
On Wednesday, information filtered in that Atiku dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Alliance (ADC), an opposition coalition to unseat Keyamo’s principal, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, 78, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, came second in the election won by Tinubu.
Keyamo immediately faulted Atiku’s defection from the PDP to the ADC, but Ibe said Atiku is not too old to run.
Ibe responded, saying, “Atiku Abubakar too old? Says who? The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is 79, and we are modelling our democracy after that of the United States.
”So, what are we talking about? Is Atiku Abubakar healthy? Is he strong? Does he have any infirmity?” Ibe asked.
On whether the ADC would be the last party of the former vice president, Ibe said, “Mr Atiku Abubakar will determine that.
”I believe that the coalition offers a great prospect to reclaim and to rebuild Nigeria.”
