Keyamo Dismisses Pre-Recorded Claims Over Tinubu's Campaign Speech

Festus Keyamo, who serves as Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, has rejected assertions that President Bola Tinubu delivered a pre-recorded address during the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council inauguration held on October 14. Through a social media post made on October 15, Keyamo countered these allegations by noting that both domestic and international press outlets provided live coverage of the proceedings, establishing that the president's remarks were made in real time.

Activist Chidi Odinkalu initiated the controversy by casting doubt on whether Tinubu physically attended the October 14 gathering. After watching a video recording of the ceremony, Odinkalu shared it online and referenced specific technical elements within the footage to substantiate his assertion.

Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, also addressed Odinkalu's claim and faulted him for permitting partisan sentiment to compromise his evaluation of events. Keyamo likened the assertion about pre-recording to previous conspiracy theories that emerged during former President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure, dismissing it as unfounded.

He cast doubt on the claim's credibility, implying that it demonstrated worsening discernment among those critical of the current government. According to Keyamo, mental strain was responsible for such accusations being leveled in the first place.

The episode underscores mounting friction separating the governing APC from opposing political figures regarding public statements and appearances by the sitting president. Government officials have responded promptly to refute contentions questioning Tinubu's active participation in state business.

The October 14 campaign council inauguration represented an important organizational event for the APC, rendering the ensuing dispute concerning the credibility of the president's involvement significant within Nigeria's political discourse.