Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reacted to a viral video showing a man destroying campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The video, which featured graphics with the inscription, "Tinubu Must Go", showed the man tearing down multiple posters mounted on a wall. Keyamo described the incident as a planned propaganda stunt, noting that the man was sponsored by opposition elements to create the impression that the President had lost public support.
Keyamo stated that the deliberate recording and circulation of the incident suggested that it was designed to generate a particular political narrative ahead of the 2027 general election. He alleged that similar incidents had been deliberately staged in some parts of the country and were being presented as evidence that Tinubu had been rejected by Nigerians. The minister claimed that the interpretation and spin given to these incidents was that the President had been 'rejected' by 'angry' Nigerians.
Keyamo criticised what he described as different reactions to similar incidents involving opposition campaign posters. He referred to an incident in Lagos State the previous week, where he said two or three people were seen using Tinubu's posters to cover those of an opposition party. While saying such conduct was also unacceptable, Keyamo alleged that some television programmes and blogs had described those involved as "thugs of the ruling party" and amplified the incident as evidence of intimidation and threats to democracy.
The minister said his comments should not be interpreted as a call for supporters of the All Progressives Congress to retaliate. He stated that this was not a call on the teeming APC supporters to retaliate in any form, but that the incident should prick the conscience of all men of goodwill. Keyamo further alleged that the opposition was using such incidents to portray the ruling party negatively ahead of the 2027 elections.
Keyamo referred to recent bye-elections, claiming that opposition parties had suffered defeats in elections held in five regions of the country. He said he expected the same outcome for the opposition in the 2027 presidential election. The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The viral video had sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing political tensions in the country. The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of elections. Keyamo's comments have added to the ongoing debate about the state of Nigeria's democracy and the challenges facing the current administration.
The Punch newspaper reported that Keyamo's statement was made on Friday, October 2, 2026, on his social media platform. The minister's reaction to the viral video has sparked a mixed reaction, with some Nigerians supporting his position and others criticising his comments. The development is likely to add to the ongoing political tensions in Nigeria as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.
Key points
- The incident was staged to portray the ruling party negatively ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Keyamo criticised different reactions to similar incidents involving opposition campaign posters.
- The opposition suffered defeats in recent bye-elections, according to Keyamo.
