Keyamo Mocks Atiku Over Tinubu’s Presidency, Says Ex-VP Needs Mental Health Support

Keyamo Mocks Atiku Over Tinubu’s Presidency, Says Ex-VP Needs Mental Health Support
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has launched a verbal attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of bitterness over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader and suggesting that the opposition politician needs mental health support.

Keyamo made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, in response to Atiku’s criticism of the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol price discount, which the former vice-president described as an inadequate response to the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The minister alleged that Atiku’s repeated criticism of Tinubu reflected personal disappointment over his failure to become president after several attempts.

In a post on his verified X account, Keyamo described Atiku as a “pained and very bitter fellow” and argued that the former vice-president had struggled to accept Tinubu’s political success.

Keyamo also used the expression “agitated depression” to characterise Atiku’s alleged emotional state and urged people close to the former vice-president to offer him support.

However, the minister did not provide medical evidence to support his comments about Atiku’s mental health. His remarks were political allegations and should not be interpreted as a medical diagnosis.

Keyamo Compares Atiku’s Presidential Ambition With Tinubu’s Victory
Keyamo Compares Atiku’s Presidential Ambition With Tinubu’s Victory

In his response, Keyamo compared the political journeys of Tinubu and Atiku, recalling their respective positions during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

At the time, Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, while Atiku served as vice-president.

Keyamo argued that although Atiku had pursued the presidency through several election cycles, Tinubu eventually won the office in the 2023 presidential election.

The minister attributed Tinubu’s emergence to political strategy, circumstances and what he described as divine intervention.
He also cited Ecclesiastes 9:11 from the Bible to argue that success does not always depend on strength or ability, but can also be influenced by timing and circumstances.

Keyamo urged Atiku’s associates not to encourage what he described as unproductive attacks on the President.

“We should all pity Atiku Abubakar rather than goad him on,” he wrote.
He further suggested that the former vice-president’s approach to political criticism could affect his support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku Faults Tinubu’s 30-Day Petrol Discount

The exchange followed Atiku’s criticism of the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol price discount, which he argued would offer only temporary relief without resolving the deeper problems affecting households and businesses.

The former vice-president questioned the sustainability of the initiative, particularly what would happen when the 30-day period expired.
He argued that Nigerians needed durable measures to address high transportation costs, rising food prices and the broader cost-of-living crisis rather than a short-term intervention.

Atiku also called for attention to the underlying factors responsible for high petrol prices and the economic pressure experienced by citizens.

His criticism reflects the wider debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and its consequences for household purchasing power.

Supporters of the administration have defended its policies, while opposition figures have continued to question whether the measures have delivered sufficient relief to Nigerians.

Political Exchange Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections
The confrontation between Keyamo and Atiku comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the next general elections.

Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to criticise the administration’s economic policies.

Keyamo, a prominent supporter of Tinubu, has defended the President and challenged opposition figures over their assessments of the government’s performance.

The latest exchange illustrates how disagreements over economic policy are increasingly accompanied by personal attacks among political figures.

While politicians are entitled to criticise government policies and challenge their opponents, claims about an individual’s mental health should not be presented as established facts without credible medical evidence.
With petrol prices, inflation, transportation costs and the cost of living remaining important public concerns, the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s economic interventions is likely to remain a major issue in political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.