The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly criticised opposition parties for their inconsistent stance on electoral integrity, particularly in the wake of the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In a pointed statement, Minister Keyamo highlighted a recurring pattern where opposition elements only acknowledge an election as "free and fair" when the results favour them. He described this attitude as hypocritical and detrimental to Nigeria's democratic progress.
"The only election that can be free and fair, in their own warped minds, is when the ruling party loses," Keyamo stated. He accused certain opposition figures and groups of undermining public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the electoral process through unsubstantiated claims of irregularities whenever they face defeat.
The Minister's remarks come amid reactions to the FCT Area Council polls, where the APC secured victories in several key councils, including Bwari.
Despite isolated complaints from opposition quarters including concerns over technical glitches on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) the elections were largely conducted peacefully and in line with established procedures.
Minister Keyamo emphasised that credible elections are not defined by outcomes but by adherence to rules, transparency, and the will of the people. He urged opposition parties to focus on strengthening their structures, mobilising genuine support, and accepting democratic results rather than resorting to excuses or attempts to delegitimise processes they fail to win.
"This pattern of selective endorsement weakens our democracy and erodes trust in institutions that have worked hard to deliver credible polls," Keyamo added. "Nigerians deserve opposition that engages constructively, not one that cries foul only after losing."
The APC commends Minister Keyamo for his forthright defence of electoral integrity and reaffirms its commitment to upholding free, fair, and transparent elections across Nigeria.
The party calls on all political actors to prioritise national interest over partisan bitterness and to contribute positively to deepening democracy.