The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused former Vice-President and the presidential candidate of the action democratic congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar of bitterness over President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader, urging those close to him to encourage him to seek mental health support.
Keyamo made the remarks in a statement shared on his X account, where he criticised Atiku’s recent comments against Tinubu and attributed them to what he described as frustration over his long-standing presidential ambition.
The minister alleged that Atiku was struggling to accept Tinubu’s emergence as president, arguing that the development had fuelled his recent criticism of the administration.
Keyamo, who described Atiku’s remarks as “tantrums” disguised as opposition politics, claimed that the former vice-president’s disappointment stemmed from Tinubu securing the presidency on his first attempt, despite Atiku’s repeated efforts to occupy the position.
Reflecting on the political history of both men, Keyamo noted that Tinubu was governor of Lagos State while Atiku served as vice-president, adding that they had pursued their presidential ambitions through different political alliances over the years.
He said Tinubu eventually won the presidency through a combination of political strategy, circumstances and what he described as divine intervention.
The minister also cited Ecclesiastes 9:11 from the Bible to argue that success in political contests does not depend solely on personal strength or ability, but also on timing and circumstances.
Keyamo urged Nigerians to view Atiku’s recent political engagements with sympathy rather than encourage his continued criticism of the President.
He further claimed that Atiku’s approach could weaken his political support ahead of future elections, rather than attract more followers.
