Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has criticised opposition figures over allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s speech at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council was pre-recorded.
Keyamo dismissed the allegation as baseless, arguing that local and international journalists covered the event live at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
In a post on X on Thursday, the minister questioned the credibility of the claim and suggested that some opposition figures were showing signs of what he described as “mental distress.”
His comments followed allegations by activist and legal scholar Chidi Odinkalu, who questioned whether Tinubu had attended the inauguration in person and argued that the video of the President’s address appeared to have been pre-recorded.
Keyamo Recalls Buhari-Era Conspiracy Theory
Reacting to the controversy, Keyamo compared the allegation to conspiracy theories that circulated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He recalled claims made in 2017 that Buhari had died while receiving medical treatment in London and had been replaced by a lookalike allegedly known as “Jubril from Sudan.”
Keyamo argued that the latest allegation about Tinubu’s appearance was similarly implausible, pointing to the presence of journalists at the campaign council inauguration.
The minister did not specifically name Odinkalu in his response, but his comments came amid the online debate triggered by the activist’s post.
Keyamo also questioned whether to laugh or cry over the allegation and said he believed signs of mental distress were becoming evident among some opposition figures. His remark was a political criticism rather than a medical assessment.
What Triggered the Controversy?
Odinkalu raised questions about Tinubu’s physical presence at the event in a post on X on Wednesday.
He argued that the video’s camera work and transitions suggested the address might have been recorded earlier. He also called for footage showing the President arriving and moving around the venue.
The allegation prompted a response from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who accused Odinkalu of allowing partisanship to influence his judgment.
Onanuga described the post as an attempt to spread a false narrative online, rejecting the suggestion that the President had not attended the event in person.
The exchange generated debate on social media over the evidence presented by the different sides.
Tinubu Inaugurates APC Presidential Campaign Council
Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja as the ruling party intensified preparations for the 2027 general election.
The President chairs the council, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serve as vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named director-general, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serves as secretary.
During the inauguration, Tinubu urged members to mobilise support across wards and polling units, emphasising the importance of securing votes rather than relying solely on campaign activities.
The APC has scheduled its campaign flag-off rally for October 24 in Kaduna State.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027 Elections
The dispute comes as Nigeria’s political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the APC seeking another term for Tinubu and opposition figures challenging the administration’s record.
The exchange highlights how social media has become an important arena for political disputes, where claims about public appearances and official events can quickly generate competing interpretations.
While Keyamo and Onanuga rejected the allegation, Odinkalu’s claim centred on his interpretation of the video footage. The competing statements have kept the controversy in the public conversation.
For now, the dispute remains a political disagreement over the circumstances surrounding Tinubu’s appearance at the campaign council inauguration. Keyamo’s response has added another layer to the exchange as the ruling party prepares for the next election cycle.