SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has openly acknowledged that the internal crises and divisions within Nigeria’s opposition parties could work to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo made the remarks during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs program on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Friday, November 13, where he dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu or the APC had a hand in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the minister, the ruling party has no obligation to intervene in the internal affairs of opposition parties, insisting that their disagreements are matters for them to resolve.
He argued that a divided opposition would naturally create a more favorable political environment for the APC, adding that the ruling party would rather observe developments from a distance than get involved in the disputes.
“The more they are in disarray, the better for us. We will simply watch from a distance and will not have a hand in it,” Keyamo said.
His comments offer a revealing glimpse into the political calculations shaping the APC’s approach to the 2027 elections. While the ruling party may publicly distance itself from opposition disputes, Keyamo’s remarks make clear that the weakening of rival political forces is viewed as a strategic advantage.
The minister also defended his earlier position that Nigeria’s democracy would not collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar failed to appear on the ballot in 2027.
To support his argument, Keyamo recalled the 2019 Zamfara political crisis, when the Supreme Court nullified the APC’s electoral victories over irregularities surrounding its primaries. The decision resulted in the removal of the party’s governor, deputy governor, lawmakers, and other elected officials.
He maintained that the APC accepted the court’s decision and argued that opposition politicians should similarly allow the judiciary to resolve their disputes without portraying every unfavorable ruling as political interference.
However, his most politically revealing comment concerned the possibility of an opposition alliance ahead of 2027.
Keyamo admitted that the APC would prefer Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to contest separately rather than unite behind a single presidential candidate.
“It is in our interest that Atiku Abubakar and Obi run so that all opposition will not gather under one umbrella,” he stated.
The remark highlights one of the biggest challenges facing the opposition: whether competing political interests can be set aside to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid.
With 2027 approaching, the opposition’s ability to resolve its internal differences, agree on leadership, and present a united political front could prove just as important as the APC’s campaign strategy.
For now, Keyamo’s message is unmistakable: the APC sees opposition unity as a potential threat but opposition disunity as an electoral opportunity.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
