ENUGU, (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should be grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for derecognising its factional leadership.
In a statement shared on X this Friday, Keyamo characterized the crisis surrounding the leadership linked to Senator David Mark as a self-inflicted legal dilemma rather than a political attack.
Keyamo dismissed the party’s attempts to gain public sympathy, emphasizing that the legal system operates on evidence.
He said, “The David Mark’s faction of the ADC really think they can use emotional reasoning and blackmail to bluff their way out of a purely legal conundrum they brought upon themselves.
“Unfortunately for them, law does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and the interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations.”
Addressing the debate over the “status quo,” the Minister warned that the pending court challenge by a Deputy National Chairman makes any current leadership actions precarious.
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“All those who are arguing about ‘status quo ante bellum’ are dispensing their time and energy chasing shadows and not the substance.
“What is relevant is that there is a challenge regarding the take-over of the Party pending in court by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman. As long as that case remains in court, all the actions of either faction may end up being nugatory after the deadline for nominations of candidates by INEC.”
Keyamo argued that INEC’s move serves as a crucial “early warning” that could save the party from having no candidates in future elections
“Therefore, instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should rather thank INEC for this timely action of de-recognising both factions before the close of the window for nominating candidates. It has duly forewarned the party of the danger ahead”, he said.
He urged the ADC to resolve its internal disputes or seek accelerated court hearings rather than blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or INEC.
“To keep blaming imaginary opponents or INEC is purely mischievous: neither APC nor INEC prodded these grown adults and supposedly ‘experienced’ politicians to go and hijack an existing platform without sound legal advice
Regarding the ADC’s decision to proceed with its convention despite legal warnings, Keyamo concluded with a sharp political jab saying, “They say they will proceed with their congresses and convention despite INEC’s decision and the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
“That is fine by us. Never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake.”