Some Nigerians have criticised Festus Keyamo, then Director of Strategic Communications for President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 presidential campaign, over his description of Buhari as a “friend of the poor.”

The reactions followed a post by Keyamo on Twitter in which he praised the President’s political record and anti-corruption credentials.

Keyamo described Buhari as a long-standing political opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a leader who had challenged established political power structures and someone he believed was committed to fighting corruption.

“The nightmare of PDP since 2003! The demystifier of old power-blocs! The slayer of the corrupt! The friend of the poor! The one the thieves love to hate! My guy!” Keyamo wrote.

The description, particularly his reference to Buhari as a “friend of the poor,” generated criticism from some Twitter users who disagreed with his assessment.

Critics questioned whether the economic conditions facing many Nigerians at the time supported Keyamo’s portrayal of the President.

The reactions reflected continuing political divisions over the Buhari administration’s economic policies, anti-corruption campaign and record on improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

While Keyamo remained one of Buhari’s prominent defenders, his comments prompted renewed debate among Nigerians on social media over whether the administration had delivered sufficient economic benefits to low-income citizens.