The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following claims that President Bola Tinubu has adopted his proposal for a targeted subsidy on locally refined petrol.
Keyamo accuses Atiku of being bitter over Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, alleging that the former vice-president is struggling to accept the President’s political success.
The minister makes the remarks in a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, where he launches a personal attack on Atiku while responding to the controversy surrounding the fuel subsidy proposal.
Keyamo describes the former presidential candidate as a “pained and very bitter fellow,” claiming that his recent criticism of Tinubu is driven by disappointment over his long-standing ambition to become Nigeria’s president.
He also uses the phrase “agitated depression” to characterise Atiku’s political reactions, a remark that constitutes Keyamo’s personal allegation rather than an established medical assessment.
According to the minister, Tinubu and Atiku have pursued the presidency for years, sometimes cooperating politically and at other times competing against each other.
Keyamo recalls that Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State, while Atiku served as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He argues that both politicians have remained influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape since leaving their respective offices, but says Tinubu eventually secured the presidency in 2023.
The minister attributes Tinubu’s emergence as president to a combination of political strategy, good fortune, divine intervention and political dexterity.
Keyamo further argues that Atiku’s repeated criticism of the administration reflects frustration over the outcome of their longstanding political rivalry.
He urges people close to the former vice-president to offer him support rather than encourage what he describes as persistent attacks against the President.
In another controversial remark, Keyamo suggests that Atiku’s associates should administer antidepressants to him, reinforcing the personal nature of the minister’s criticism.
The comments introduce mental health references into an already contentious political exchange. However, Keyamo’s statements do not establish that Atiku has any mental health condition.
At the centre of the dispute is the debate over targeted subsidies for petrol refined locally in Nigeria and whether Tinubu’s policy direction reflects a proposal previously advocated by Atiku.
The disagreement highlights the continuing contest between political figures over economic policy, public messaging and claims of political influence.
Fuel subsidy policy remains a major issue in Nigeria because of its implications for petrol prices, household expenses, transportation costs and the wider economy.
While the government’s approach to fuel pricing continues to attract public attention, the political disagreement between Keyamo and Atiku adds another dimension to the debate.
Keyamo maintains that Tinubu has demonstrated greater political success, while predicting that Atiku’s current approach could weaken his political standing.
He concludes by suggesting that the former vice-president is gradually fading into political oblivion.
Atiku’s response to Keyamo’s latest remarks is not included in the account provided.
