The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has berated the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his recent political commentary, accusing him and other cabinet members of focusing on 2027 election permutations rather than tackling the country’s pressing governance challenges.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described as “insensitive and diversionary” Keyamo’s lengthy analysis on X (formerly Twitter), where he warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, or ex-president Goodluck Jonathan as candidates in 2027.
The group argued that it was disturbing for a serving minister with responsibility for Nigeria’s aviation sector to engage in partisan speculation while the country grappled with economic hardship, soaring inflation, and failing infrastructure.
“The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has demonstrated gross insensitivity to the plight of millions of Nigerians by abandoning his duty post to engage in speculative political commentary,” the statement read. “Nigerians entrusted him with the aviation sector, which is already struggling with exorbitant airfares, poor airport infrastructure, and a lack of investment. Yet, instead of rolling out workable reforms, he is busy warning the PDP about their choice of candidates for 2027. This is an unmitigated disgrace, and President Tinubu must not condone it.”
HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in his ministers, stressing that their mandate was to revive the economy and deliver reforms, not to serve as political strategists for the ruling party.
The rights group accused the administration of impoverishing Nigerians through “toxic taxation,” pointing to recent hikes in passport and business registration fees, as well as increases in electricity tariffs. It also faulted the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria for failing to curb high lending rates by commercial banks, which it said had crippled small and medium-sized enterprises.
HURIWA said the aviation sector alone required urgent reforms to bring down airfares, improve airport facilities, and attract foreign investment — issues it insisted could not be solved by political distractions.
The group added that the Tinubu administration’s growing fixation on 2027 politics contradicted its “Renewed Hope” campaign promises.
“Two years into his tenure, Nigerians are confronted with renewed despair. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of citizens, insecurity continues to plague communities, and public services remain in shambles,” HURIWA stated.
It urged citizens to hold the government accountable, insisting that public officials must focus on governance. “Face your jobs, deliver the dividends of democracy, or quit your offices. Nigeria is not a testing ground for politicians to rehearse future elections. The mandate you carry belongs to the people, not to your political ambitions. Enough is enough,” the group warned.
