Keyamo Mocks Tinubu Pre-Recorded Speech Claims as APC’s 2027 Campaign Machinery Roars to Life

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has ridiculed allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s appearance and speech at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council were pre-recorded, arguing that the physical presence of local and international journalists at the event undermines the claim. The controversy has added another episode to Nigeria’s increasingly theatrical political debate, where campaign preparations are accompanied not only by policy arguments but also by competing interpretations of video clips.

Keyamo, in a post on X on Thursday, compared the allegation to conspiracy theories that circulated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, including claims that Buhari had died abroad and been replaced by a Sudanese lookalike known online as “Jubril.” With the 2027 general election approaching, the dispute highlights how quickly questions about political appearances can turn into a full-blown contest over credibility.

Keyamo Turns Pre-Recording Allegation into a Political Punchline

Keyamo questioned why anyone would suggest that Tinubu’s address was recorded in advance when journalists reportedly covered the inauguration live at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He said he did not know whether to laugh or cry over the allegation and suggested that some opposition figures were displaying signs of mental distress. His response was a sharp political rebuke, although it did not, by itself, settle the factual question raised about the footage.

The allegation originated from activist Chidi Odinkalu, who questioned whether Tinubu had attended the event in person. Odinkalu argued that the video appeared to contain unnatural transitions and carefully orchestrated camera work, and challenged those responsible to produce footage showing the President arriving and moving through the venue. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also rejected the accusation, arguing that partisanship had clouded Odinkalu’s judgment. Keyamo did not identify Odinkalu by name in his response.

APC’s 2027 Campaign Begins Amid a Battle Over Credibility

Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja as the governing party intensified preparations for the 2027 presidential election. The President chairs the council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as vice-chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzuzodimma was designated secretary. The council is expected to coordinate the party’s campaign activities and voter mobilisation.

During the inauguration, Tinubu urged council members to mobilise voters across their wards and polling units, stressing that their work would only matter if it translated into votes. The APC has scheduled its campaign flag-off rally for October 24 in Kaduna State. The timing makes the dispute more than an argument about video editing: it has become an early test of how the ruling party and its critics will defend their narratives as the election approaches.

The dispute over whether Tinubu’s appearance was live or pre-recorded has exposed the widening divide between political opponents and the President’s allies. Keyamo has dismissed the allegation with ridicule, while Odinkalu has raised questions about the footage and Onanuga has defended the President’s account of events. Neither mockery nor suspicion alone constitutes conclusive proof; the most persuasive resolution would come from verifiable, unedited footage and other reliable evidence. As the APC advances its 2027 campaign preparations, readers should watch OGM News NG for further developments in this unfolding political controversy.

A relevant background check adds an important detail: a report published by Premium Times on October 15, 2026, said it had independently confirmed that Tinubu was physically present at the inauguration, contrary to Odinkalu’s allegation. The State House also published an account of the inauguration dated October 14. These reports provide additional context for assessing the competing claims.