Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is suffering from what he described as “agitated depression” following his repeated criticism of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, Keyamo claimed Atiku’s recent attacks on the President were driven by disappointment over losing the 2023 presidential election.
“It is now very obvious that Atiku Abubakar is a pained and very bitter fellow,” Keyamo said.
According to him, Atiku has found it difficult to accept that Tinubu eventually became President after years of political rivalry between them.
He argued that while Atiku was already serving as Nigeria’s Vice President when Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State, fate and political strategy later worked in Tinubu’s favour.
Keyamo said Tinubu became President “at the first try” while Atiku had pursued the office for many years without success.
The minister added that power comes from God and quoted Ecclesiastes 9:11, saying: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
He further said, “We should all pity Atiku Abubakar rather than goad him on. Those close to him should actually administer anti-depressants on him. Rather than win supporters, he will lose most intelligent ones by his recent posturing.”
Keyamo concluded by saying, “Atiku Abubakar urgently needs mental health support at this critical time as he finally peters out into political oblivion.”
The remarks are the latest exchange in the growing war of words between leading figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition. Atiku has remained one of President Tinubu’s strongest critics, frequently accusing the administration of poor economic management and governance, while senior government officials have continued to defend the President’s policies and leadership.
