The All Progressives Congress (APC) is faced with a crucial question as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election campaign gathers pace: who is speaking for Mr. President? This is not about who occupies a communication office or issues statements, but about who can effectively defend the administration and persuade undecided Nigerians. The APC has several experienced communicators, but presidential campaigns require more than just experience. They demand perception, persuasion, courage, and speed.
Festus Keyamo, a seasoned political communicator and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been identified as one of the party's most battle-tested communicators. He has previously served as Director of Strategic Communications and official spokesperson for President Muhammadu Buhari's 2019 re-election campaign and as Director of Public Affairs and spokesman for Tinubu's 2023 presidential campaign. Keyamo's courtroom background is evident in his political communication style, which involves listening for weaknesses in a question, challenging its premise, and counterattacking.
Keyamo's deployment in the current campaign arrangement is intriguing, having initially been absent before emerging in the revised structure to lead Air Mobilisation. While there may be sound political reasons for this decision, the APC should consider whether this is the highest and best use of Keyamo's skills. With his ability to command attention and respond effectively to difficult questions, Keyamo could be a valuable asset in defending Tinubu's record and explaining the administration's reforms.
As Aviation Minister, Keyamo has participated directly in the Tinubu administration and can point to significant reforms, including Nigeria's improvement in Cape Town Convention compliance and progress in aircraft financing and leasing. This experience makes him potentially more formidable in 2027 than in 2023, as he can speak to the administration's achievements from a position of authority.
The opposition is likely to weaponize every hardship, and the President needs communicators who can acknowledge pain without surrendering the argument and explain difficult reforms without sounding insensitive. Keyamo carries a different history than some other potential spokespersons, having defended Tinubu in the past without any perceived vulnerabilities.
The suggestion is not to displace anyone but to utilize Keyamo's skills effectively. As a proven firepower, Keyamo should be given the opportunity to confront the opposition, explain the reforms, and defend the record. By doing so, the burden of selling the President's message expeditiously becomes lighter.
Ultimately, the APC should consider how to maximize Keyamo's strengths in the campaign. With his skills and experience, he could play a crucial role in defending Tinubu's record and persuading undecided Nigerians. The question remains: will the APC give Festus Keyamo the microphone and let him do what he does best?
Key points
- The APC needs to consider who is effectively speaking for President Tinubu in the re-election campaign.
- Festus Keyamo's skills and experience make him a valuable asset in defending Tinubu's record.
- Keyamo's deployment in the campaign arrangement should be optimized to maximize his strengths.
