Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has likened the African Democratic Congress to a heartbroken bachelor following the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the New Democratic Congress.
Keyamo made the remarks on Thursday while reacting to the growing political tension surrounding Obi’s exit from the ADC and the wave of defections that followed.
In a statement shared online, the minister used a romantic analogy to describe the situation, saying the ADC failed to properly value Obi before losing him to another political platform willing to offer him greater assurance.
“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,” Keyamo wrote.
According to him, the woman eventually walked away quietly to another suitor who immediately recognised her worth, while the rejected bachelor became angry and began attacking her publicly.
“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,” he added.The minister’s comments came days after Obi officially resigned from the ADC, citing unresolved internal disputes and legal crises within the party.
In his resignation statement, Obi said his decision was reached after careful reflection on the country’s political climate and the need to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.
He noted that the internal wrangling within the ADC mirrored the challenges he previously encountered in the Labour Party, particularly what he described as orchestrated litigation and persistent divisions that could hinder effective participation in the electoral process.
Despite his departure, Obi expressed gratitude to the ADC leadership, especially former Senate President David Mark, for the opportunity to serve within the party. He also acknowledged the support of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other stakeholders.
The former Anambra State governor warned against weakening opposition parties, stressing that democracy thrives when there is a strong and balanced political system.
Obi’s exit, alongside that of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has reportedly triggered further political realignments, with several lawmakers also defecting to the NDC.
