Paul Ibe, spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has slammed Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, dismissing his recent criticisms of Atiku as “sycophantic” and historically ignorant.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television Thursday, Ibe defended Atiku’s legacy and political relevance amid attacks from Keyamo, who had mocked Atiku’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and questioned his fitness for the 2027 presidency.

“Where was Keyamo when Atiku was on the frontline battling the military and restoring democracy?” Ibe asked. “He is just playing to the gallery. Sycophancy is the end game.”

Ibe rejected Keyamo’s claim that Atiku was impersonating a government official by using the Nigerian Coat of Arms on official correspondence.

“Nobody is impersonating anybody. Atiku Abubakar is a former vice president. That is known. If Keyamo has a problem with that, he can go to court,” he said.

Reacting to Keyamo’s age-related jab at Atiku, Ibe said:

“Too old? Donald Trump is 79 and running again. Atiku is healthy, strong, and without infirmity.”

On Atiku’s latest party switch and whether ADC is his final political home, Ibe remained noncommittal but optimistic.

“Only Atiku can determine that. But the coalition presents a great opportunity to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria.”

He accused Keyamo of abandoning his ministerial responsibilities in favour of political attacks.

“It’s unfortunate that Keyamo is majoring on minors. He should focus on fixing our airports runways, broken toilets, and infrastructure rather than obsessing over PDP politics.”

Ibe further accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing dissent and manipulating state institutions.

“We’ve seen deterioration in our democratic process. Agencies are now tools to intimidate opposition this is civilian dictatorship.”

On Atiku’s persistence in seeking the presidency, Ibe defended his ambition as genuine and backed by experience.

“Atiku wants to improve Nigerians’ lives. He has the skills, the experience, and he’s not stepping away from politics.”

He concluded by noting that party switching is not new and should be viewed in light of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“This isn’t about Atiku alone it’s about the climate we’ve found ourselves in.”