The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly reject reports linking him to a presidential ticket reportedly being promoted by a political group.
In a statement shared on his đ account, Keyamo described the development as a “bizarre comedy” and criticized those behind it for allegedly involving the former president in what he termed a political spectacle.
According to the minister, it is inappropriate for individuals who lack recognised political standing to claim they have offered a presidential ticket to a former head of state.
âThis is some kind of bizarre comedy taken too far by supposedly grown adults and some names that once occupied positions of influence in this country,â Keyamo stated.
He further questioned the legitimacy of the group involved, noting that they are not listed among registered political parties on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s register.
âOffering a presidential ticket to a former president and statesman through proxies, by a group that is not even registered with INEC, and dragging such a respected figure into what is clearly a futile political exercise, is unfortunate,â he said.
Keyamo urged Jonathan to immediately clarify his position to prevent any misunderstanding regarding his involvement in the matter.
âFor the sake of his international reputation, President Goodluck Jonathan should promptly issue a clear and firm âNo, thank youâ response,â the minister advised.
He also warned that continued silence from the former president could reignite public discussions about his administration and the events surrounding his defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
âOtherwise, Nigerians may begin to revisit the âcluelessâ narrative that contributed to his exit from office, making him the first sitting president in the countryâs history to lose re-election,â Keyamo added.