Keyamo Warns PDP Against Fielding Jonathan or Obi in 2027
- Nigeria News
- 02.09.2025
- 1 Comment
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Keyamo Warns PDP Against Fielding Jonathan or Obi in 2027
In a detailed statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Keyamo issued a strong warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding its choice of candidate for the next election.
According to him, presenting either former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi could spell disaster for the opposition party.
This decision, he argued, alienated its traditional support bases in the South-East and South-South, weakening the party’s overall chances.
In his words, the PDP remains in a “non-enviable position” because of that miscalculation, and unless something extraordinary happens, the party may not recover until at least 2031.The minister stressed that zoning has always been a critical element of Nigerian politics, whether young social media users agree with it or not.
He emphasized that ignoring this political reality will only worsen the PDP’s woes as it prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
He referenced Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a person who has already been sworn in twice as president cannot contest again.Keyamo warned that if the PDP nominates Jonathan, it risks not having a candidate at all.
While Jonathan was cleared to contest in 2015 before the amendment, the law has since changed.
Therefore, if Jonathan is fielded and later disqualified by the courts after nominations close, the PDP could be left stranded without a standard-bearer.
“All the arguments as to whether the section can be interpreted to affect him will not be decided on social media, but at the Supreme Court,” Keyamo explained.
He added that if the party knowingly walks into this legal trap, it cannot later blame the judiciary for disqualifying its candidate.
In his assessment, such a candidate would face two major obstacles:
- Lack of national acceptance, as no other region would support another Yoruba candidate eligible for two fresh terms after President Bola Tinubu.
- Difficulty overcoming the well-oiled APC structures already established in the South-West.
He argued that to win Nigeria’s presidency, a candidate must secure support from at least three to four regions.
In his view, a PDP South-West flagbearer cannot realistically achieve that balance.
While Obi gained significant popularity in the 2023 election under the Labour Party, Keyamo suggested that his credibility might take a hit if he were to return to the PDP.According to Keyamo, many of Obi’s staunch supporters the “Obidients” would view such a move as a betrayal of his earlier stance and one-term pledge.
This could result in reduced enthusiasm and weaker grassroots mobilization.
“The principled ones amongst the ‘Obidients’ will see him as going back to his vomit … and may not be too vociferous in their support anymore,” he wrote.
By highlighting constitutional provisions and political zoning dynamics, he is essentially warning the PDP to tread carefully or risk self-sabotage in 2027.[ez-toc]Should the PDP ignore these warnings, it could face the dual threat of legal disqualification (in Jonathan’s case) or political irrelevance (in Obi’s case).
Either way, the APC appears positioned to maintain its dominance if the opposition remains divided and shortsighted.
The failure to zone the presidency in 2023 cost the party dearly, and repeating similar errors in 2027 could render it ineffective as an opposition force.For the PDP to stand a chance, it must:
- Resolve zoning disputes transparently.
- Field a candidate without constitutional limitations.
- Rebuild trust among grassroots supporters in the South-East and South-South.
- Develop alliances that cut across multiple regions.
Supporters of the APC see his analysis as a realistic assessment of Nigeria’s political terrain, while critics argue that Keyamo is merely attempting to destabilize the opposition in advance of the 2027 elections.Whether one agrees with Keyamo or not, his intervention has forced the PDP and indeed all Nigerians to reflect on the complexities of constitutional law, political zoning, and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Festus Keyamo Age
Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, a prominent Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician,
was born on January 21, 1970. This makes him 55 years old as of 2025.
Over the years, he has grown into one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in both
law and politics, holding key positions in government.
Festus Keyamo Tribe and Origin
Keyamo hails from the Urhobo ethnic group in Ugehli, Delta State, Nigeria.
The Urhobos are the largest ethnic nationality in Delta State and are known for their
rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions to the Niger Delta region.
His tribal background plays a significant role in shaping his identity and connection
with grassroots politics in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Festus Keyamo Ex-Wife and Family Life
While Festus Keyamo is widely recognized for his professional and political achievements,
he keeps his personal life relatively private. He was previously married, but details about
his ex-wife are not widely available in the media as he chooses to keep
that part of his life away from the spotlight. Currently, he is married to
Mrs. Love Keyamo, with whom he has children. Despite his busy political
and legal career, Keyamo often emphasizes the importance of family values.
Ekpoma, Edo State, and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993. His early career was
marked by his involvement in human rights advocacy and defending the oppressed during
Nigeria’s military regimes. He quickly gained recognition as a fearless lawyer and activist.Over the years, he handled several high-profile cases and became one of Nigeria’s most
vocal voices in matters of justice and democracy. His reputation for integrity and legal
expertise earned him national recognition.
in different capacities within the government. In 2019, he was appointed as the
Minister of State for Labour and Employment under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Later, in 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he became the
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.His political influence has continued to grow as he combines his experience in law with
governance. He remains a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
resilience, determination, and commitment to public service. At 55 years old,
he has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures.
With roots in the Urhobo tribe, a private but respected family life,
and an outstanding legal and political career, Keyamo continues to shape Nigeria’s
political landscape.
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