The political landscape in Nigeria is buzzing with a heated exchange between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding key issues of zoning and the recent defection of prominent opposition figure Peter Obi. Keyamo, a vocal figure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), initiated the debate by questioning the ADC’s stance on zoning, a critical consideration in Nigerian politics that aims to ensure equitable power distribution across different regions. He alleged that the party’s ambiguity on zoning was a strategic move to accommodate the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a Northerner. This situation highlights the complex dynamics of political alliances and the strategic maneuvering that often precedes general elections.
Festus Keyamo’s accusations suggest a pattern where political parties may avoid definitive stances on sensitive issues like zoning to keep their options open and appeal to a broader base of potential candidates and voters. His comments, made on X, pointed to the ADC’s perceived reluctance to declare its presidential ticket zoning, drawing parallels to the decisions made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the past, which he argued had led to electoral challenges. The minister emphasized that in a diverse nation like Nigeria, clarity on zoning is essential for any party aiming for national appeal and stability.
Keyamo further elaborated on his concerns, stating that the ADC’s current position mirrors the predicament the PDP faced in 2023, where a lack of clear zoning arrangements complicated their electoral strategy. He posited that by failing to zone its presidential ticket, the ADC was inadvertently aligning with a strategy that could undermine national unity. The minister also accused Peter Obi of aligning with this approach for personal gain, suggesting that Obi’s involvement was a bid for a Vice Presidential ticket at the expense of national cohesion.
In response to Keyamo’s assertions, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, refuted the claims regarding zoning. Abdullahi clarified that Keyamo’s perspective on the issue was not accurate and pointed out that the APC’s own presidential primaries had historically been open to candidates from all regions. He cited instances like Rochas Okorocha contesting alongside Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, and a similar pattern in the 2023 elections, as evidence of this openness.
Abdullahi also challenged the APC’s approach to national unity, particularly highlighting the decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the last election. He argued that religious balancing is even more fundamental to national cohesion than geographical considerations, and that the APC’s choice had strained this delicate balance. The ADC spokesperson maintained that the party was focused on building a winning coalition and that no final decisions on its ticket had been made, implying flexibility and ongoing strategic discussions.
What is the core of the disagreement between Festus Keyamo and the ADC regarding zoning? The core of the disagreement lies in Festus Keyamo’s accusation that the ADC is deliberately avoiding a clear stance on zoning to benefit Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions, while the ADC asserts that Keyamo’s perspective is incorrect and points to the APC’s own history of open primaries and religious ticket choices as counterarguments.
Adding another layer to the political maneuvering, a rival faction of the Labour Party, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has publicly supported Peter Obi’s move to the ADC. This faction claims that the Labour Party had previously endorsed Obi’s engagement with the ADC coalition, even before his formal defection. This statement suggests internal divisions within the Labour Party and a strategic alignment with the ADC.
The Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party has affirmed its continued backing for Peter Obi’s political endeavors with the ADC coalition. According to a press release, the party had officially sanctioned Obi’s participation in the ADC coalition on May 26, 2025, and reaffirmed this support after the ADC’s official unveiling in July 2025. This indicates a pre-existing understanding and strategic alliance between Obi and the ADC, facilitated by a segment of the Labour Party.
This faction of the Labour Party assured its members that there was no cause for alarm regarding Obi’s formal entry into the ADC. The leadership remains committed to its objective of reclaiming the Labour Party from what they describe as the “stranglehold of entrenched interests.” This suggests an ongoing internal struggle within the Labour Party, with Obi’s move being a significant development in that context.
Following Obi’s departure, the statutory organs of the Labour Party are scheduled to convene to chart a new course for the party. The faction expressed confidence in revitalizing the party’s fortunes, citing the ongoing membership revalidation and registration exercise as a positive indicator. They are focused on presenting a revitalized Labour Party as a credible alternative for the 2027 general election.
The Labour Party faction, under Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership, anticipates returning stronger, better organized, and more focused for the upcoming elections. The faction also took the opportunity to criticize the ruling APC, characterizing its government as “rudderless.” This commentary underscores the intense political competition and strategic positioning among Nigerian political parties.
The ongoing political discourse surrounding zoning and defections highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics and the constant efforts by various political actors to navigate and influence the electoral landscape. The exchange between Keyamo and the ADC, coupled with the Labour Party’s internal dynamics, paints a vivid picture of the strategic battles being waged.
Ultimately, the debate over zoning and party alliances is a crucial element in shaping the political narrative and influencing voter sentiment leading up to future elections. The differing perspectives presented by Keyamo and the ADC, as well as the internal developments within the Labour Party, demonstrate the multifaceted nature of these political discussions.
