By Sandra Kenneth
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has launched a scathing attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he is suffering from “agitated depression” over President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory and governance strategies.
Keyamo’s remarks come in response to claims by Atiku that President Tinubu adopted his policy proposal regarding a targeted subsidy on locally refined petrol. Dismissing the assertion, Keyamo alleged that the former presidential candidate is deeply bitter about losing the 2023 presidential election and struggling to come to terms with the President’s political triumph.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, the minister described Atiku as a “pained and very bitter fellow” whose criticisms of the administration are fueled by frustration over his unrealized presidential ambitions.
“The pain and bitterness stem from the fact that he feels President Bola Tinubu finally outsmarted him politically to get the most coveted position of president, and he can’t mentally deal with this fact,” Keyamo stated.
“What we are witnessing with all his recent tantrums against Mr President, veiled as opposition heroics, is actually a higher form of depression in the field of mental health called agitated depression.”
Comparing the political trajectories of both men, Keyamo noted that Tinubu governed Lagos State while Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo. He pointed out that both figures have sought the presidency since leaving office in 2007, culminating in Tinubu securing the seat on his first attempt while Atiku’s multi-decade bid fell short—a victory Keyamo attributed to fate, divine intervention, and political strategy.
The aviation minister urged those close to the former vice-president to provide personal support rather than encouraging what he termed political tantrums.
“We should all pity Atiku Abubakar rather than goad him on,” Keyamo said, adding, “Those close to him should actually administer anti-depressants on him.”
Keyamo warned that Atiku’s current political posture risks alienating his remaining supporters, concluding that the veteran politician is gradually sliding into political oblivion.
