Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has taken a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), likening the party’s handling of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to a failed romantic relationship marked by rejection and regret.
Keyamo made the remarks on Thursday while reacting to the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from the ADC to the New Democratic Congress, a move that has triggered fresh political realignments ahead of 2027.
In a statement, the minister said he was “interfering in what does not concern me,” before launching into a vivid analogy comparing politics to a love triangle gone wrong.
“A bachelor loves a young, beautiful woman so much and thinks she’s actually the best of his girlfriends, but refuses to assure her she’d be the first wife. He proposes to keep her as second wife or side-chick,” Keyamo wrote.
He further described how the “woman” eventually walked away quietly to another suitor who immediately offered her full commitment, while the rejected “bachelor” allegedly reacted with anger.
“The beautiful woman, who knows her worth, has no time to waste waiting for this bachelor and walks away quietly to another suitor who knows her worth and assures her instantly she’d be the first wife.
“Haba! bachelor, why not just stick with your other woman and let her be? This is just the case of Peter Obi and the ADC.”
Keyamo’s analogy positioned Obi as the “high-value woman” who left a party unable to guarantee him a presidential ticket, while the ADC was cast as the “bachelor” who failed to commit and is now reacting bitterly to his exit.
Obi resigned from the ADC over the weekend, citing internal disputes and prolonged legal battles within the party. He said his decision followed deep reflection and was driven by concerns about Nigeria’s future rather than personal ambition.
He also referenced his earlier exit from the Labour Party, stating that recurring internal crises and litigation hindered meaningful political participation.
Despite his departure, Obi expressed appreciation to party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for their engagement during his time in the party.
He also warned that weakening opposition structures could harm Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that citizens would ultimately suffer when political balance is lost.
Obi’s exit, alongside that of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has already triggered wider political shifts, with reports indicating that 18 lawmakers have since moved to the NDC.
