The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has distanced himself from campaign posters suggesting he is preparing to contest the Delta State governorship election in 2027.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Voke Oshasha, Keyamo dismissed the posters as “fake” and described them as a deliberate act of blackmail by individuals seeking to dominate the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State for their personal interests.
Despite Keyamo’s denial, political observers speculate that the posters could be a strategic move to test his popularity within the Delta APC as the 2027 elections approach. According to a report by Daily Post, some party stakeholders believe the posters were intended to challenge former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who is also rumored to be eyeing the governorship seat.
Keyamo, however, rejected these claims, emphasizing that the real intent behind the posters is to disrupt efforts by him and other APC leaders to make the party more inclusive rather than allowing it to be controlled by a single individual.
Clarifying his position, Oshasha stated:
“Our attention has been drawn to some fake posters circulating online, suggesting that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, is interested in running for Governor of Delta State in 2027 on the platform of the APC.
Nothing could be further from the truth. This is cheap blackmail by those who want to turn Delta APC into their personal estate. Their strategy is to distort the Minister’s and other leaders’ genuine efforts to open up the party for all members to participate freely, instead of leaving it in the grip of a single individual.”
Keyamo also reiterated his long-standing commitment to democratic principles, recalling his history of resisting both military and civilian dictatorship alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the NADECO era.
The minister further stressed the importance of unity within the party, urging members to collaborate rather than resort to political maneuvering.
“For emphasis: no one is excluded or shut out. That is the simple message. Everyone must work collectively, rather than kneeling in someone’s village to form structures or beg for tickets. Democratic ideals must shine through in Delta APC.”
Keyamo concluded by affirming that he remains focused on working with other party leaders to strengthen the APC in Delta State, undeterred by what he described as blackmail tactics.
