The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused opposition elements of staging videos showing the destruction of All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign posters in what he described as a propaganda effort to undermine the ruling party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Keyamo made the allegation in a post on his official X account, where he shared footage of a man tearing down APC posters while brandishing what appeared to be a weapon. The minister described the individual as a sponsored opposition thug and alleged that the incident had been deliberately recorded to create a misleading impression of public rejection of President Bola Tinubu.
Keyamo alleges a coordinated propaganda effort
According to the minister, the recording was not spontaneous but intended to circulate online and reinforce a narrative that Nigerians were increasingly angry with the Tinubu administration.
He also alleged that similar incidents were occurring elsewhere and criticised what he characterised as inconsistent media treatment of the destruction or covering of campaign posters belonging to different political parties.
Keyamo cited an earlier incident in Lagos in which individuals reportedly covered opposition posters with Tinubu’s campaign materials. He argued that the public reaction to that incident differed from the response to the video showing APC posters being removed.
The minister’s assertions about the motives of those involved and their alleged political affiliations have not been independently established by the video alone. The recording does not, by itself, prove that an opposition party organised or sponsored the act.
Political messaging intensifies ahead of 2027
The incident comes as political actors prepare for the next general election, with campaign materials, social media content and competing narratives about public support likely to feature prominently in political communication.
Videos shared online can provide evidence of an event, but claims about who organised it or why require additional verification.
Keyamo said his comments should not be interpreted as a call for APC supporters to retaliate. He urged people not to respond to the incident with further acts of hostility.
The minister’s accusation has added to the political debate over campaign conduct and media coverage. However, the question of whether the poster destruction was orchestrated by opposition groups remains a matter requiring independently verifiable evidence.