The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lashed out at Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, accusing him of hypocrisy and selective outrage over Atiku’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during national mourning for ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a fiery statement on Thursday, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, said Keyamo had no moral ground to criticise Atiku, especially after his own colleague, Bayo Onanuga, launched a scathing attack on Buhari’s legacy within hours of his death.

“You said nothing when your colleague desecrated Buhari’s memory, but you suddenly found your voice when Atiku penned a respectful resignation letter. Spare us the hypocrisy,” Shaibu said.

He defended Atiku’s right to use the national coat of arms in his resignation letter, stating that the former VP retains the dignity of his past office just like former U.S. leaders continue to use presidential seals.

“The real tragedy is not Atiku’s letter it’s your administration’s failure to offer Nigerians hope, dignity, or direction,” Shaibu added, describing Keyamo’s comments as a distraction from the country’s worsening governance crisis.

PDP in meltdown as Dele Momodu, top official dump party

While the Atiku-Keyamo exchange rages, the PDP continues to reel from internal fractures. Renowned media mogul and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, has dumped the party, declaring it “hijacked by anti-democratic forces” and joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“It is honourable to abandon the carcass of the PDP and align with a new coalition,” Momodu stated in his resignation letter from Owan Ward 4 in Edo State.

Adding to the turmoil, the PDP’s Administrative Secretary in Niger State, Alhaji Jibrin Akwanu, also announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing decay within the party.

“I left because the PDP’s ship is sinking. Everything is falling apart,” Akwanu said.

But in a defiant response, Niger PDP Chairman, Alhaji Tanko Beji, said Atiku’s exit did not shake the party.

“He came, left, and came back. Now he’s left again. One man leaves, five others join. We wish him luck,” Beji stated.

As defections deepen and the opposition battles internal discord, political watchers say Nigeria’s 2027 race may be shaped as much by party strength as by the credibility crisis facing its key players.