Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has strongly condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for both the timing of his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in the resignation letter.
In a statement released on his X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo described Atiku’s resignation, coming amidst national mourning for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as “insensitive.”
“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’s statement read.
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Atiku formally resigned from the PDP via a letter dated July 14, 2025, which was submitted to his local ward chairman in Adamawa State and publicly shared by his media aide on X.
In the letter, he cited “irreconcilable differences” and expressed disappointment with the party’s current direction, believing it had deviated from its founding principles.
Keyamo alleged that Atiku prepared, signed, and dispatched the letter just one day after Buhari’s death was announced, accusing him of “demonstrating an obsession with your perennial presidential ambition, without sympathy or empathy.”
Read Also: Atiku Resigns From PDP
Beyond the timing, Keyamo also criticized Atiku for illegally using the Federal Government’s Coat of Arms in his private and political communications.
He argued that 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.”
The Minister cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, stating that such an action is an offense bordering on impersonation.
Keyamo warned that the continued misuse of national symbols by former officials would lead to “confusion everywhere,” asserting his duty as a cabinet member and senior lawyer to protect Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
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