‘Legally And Morally Wrong’ – Keyamo Lampoons Atiku Over PDP Resignation

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, over the timing of his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in the letter made public on Wednesday.

Naijaonpoint reports that Atiku, in a statement released via his verified 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, announced his resignation from the opposition party.

Reacting, Keyamo accused the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP of trying to shift national attention to himself while the country is still mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

“Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of mourning is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo said.

Naijaonpoint reports that the former vice president’s resignation letter, dated July 14, was submitted to his local ward chairman in Adamawa State and shared publicly by his media aide on 𝕏.

In the letter, Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and accused the PDP of straying from its founding ideals.

Keyamo Alleges Political Obsession

Keyamo didn’t stop at timing. He claimed that Atiku prepared and released his resignation letter a day after Buhari’s death was announced, alleging it was another chapter in what he called Atiku’s obsession with his perennial presidential ambition.

“This demonstrates an obsession with your perennial presidential ambition, without sympathy or empathy for the grieving nation,” the minister stated.

The aviation minister also took issue with Atiku’s use of the Coat of Arms on his personal political letterhead.

Describing the act as both “morally and legally wrong,” Keyamo referenced Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, warning that its unauthorised use amounted to impersonation.

“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago,” he warned.

“If this kind of conduct is allowed to persist among former office holders, there would certainly be confusion everywhere.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) concluded his statement by stressing his responsibility to uphold the constitution, saying his remarks were not just political but also rooted in legal obligation.

“I have a bounden duty both as a cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution,” Keyamo said.

However, Atiku is yet to respond to Keyamo’s statement as of press time.