Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has launched a scathing attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the opposition party of using outdated and deceptive tactics to mislead Nigerians about the country’s economic and political situation.

Speaking recently, Keyamo dismissed the ADC’s recent criticisms of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, calling them “recycled 419-style formats” that no longer resonate with the Nigerian public.

“I know them very well, and they know us very well,” Keyamo said during the interview. “These tactics they are employing are expired. They are 419 formats that have been used over the years.”

The former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor insisted that such political strategies—highlighting isolated failures and exaggerating economic hardship—are manipulative and no longer effective.

“Nigerians know them too,” he added. “You cannot deceive Nigerians with these expired formats again. Reeling out figures, picking out isolated incidents of some indices, and using them for generalisation are old tactics. Nigerians are wiser than that.”

Keyamo also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic record, asserting that the government has made tangible progress in stabilizing the economy despite persistent inflation.

“The real question, going forward, is whether or not we have got the macroeconomics right. Guess what? We have,” he stated. “Inflation is coming down. The naira has been steady. Foreign reserves are rising. Government revenues are rising. These are indices of a healthy economy.”

His remarks come just days after Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, a former governor and new Legal Adviser to the ADC, described Nigeria as teetering on the brink of democratic collapse due to poor governance, and called the ADC a “beacon of hope” for frustrated Nigerians.

The exchange signals growing political tension ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as opposition parties ramp up criticism while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seeks to defend its record and consolidate power.

Keyamo’s comments underline the administration’s stance that criticism of its performance is politically motivated and not reflective of on-the-ground improvements.