The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than blame it over the ongoing leadership crisis in the party.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that INEC rejected the ADC faction linked with Obi, Atiku and Kwankwaso.
In a statement, Keyamo criticised the David Mark-led faction, accusing it of attempting to “use emotional reasoning and blackmail” to navigate what he described as a legal crisis of its own making.
“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,” he said.
Keyamo dismissed arguments around maintaining the “status quo ante bellum,” saying they distract from the core issue — a pending court case challenging the takeover of the party.
According to him, the ongoing legal dispute, filed by a duly elected deputy national chairman, makes the recognition of either faction by INEC irrelevant for now.
“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. The implication is that the ADC may end up having NO CANDIDATE for the election,” he warned.
The minister said INEC’s decision to disengage from both factions should be seen as a timely intervention rather than an act of bias.
“Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should rather thank INEC for this timely action… It has duly forewarned the Party of the danger ahead,” he said.
Keyamo advised the party to either seek an accelerated court hearing, resolve its internal leadership dispute politically, or consider moving to a “risk-free platform.”
He also rejected claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or INEC played any role in the crisis.
“Neither APC nor INEC prodded these grown adults… to go and hijack an existing platform without sound legal advice,” he said.
Responding to reports that the factions plan to proceed with congresses and a convention despite INEC’s stance, Keyamo said, “That is fine by us.”
He concluded with a pointed remark: “Never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake.”
