Keyamo Criticizes Atiku Following Court Ruling on ADC Leadership

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar after a Federal High Court ruling invalidated the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark. Keyamo stated that the law is based on facts and evidence, not emotions or public outrage.

Keyamo’s comments came shortly after the court’s decision was announced. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the Mark-led Caretaker Committee was illegal, which also invalidated its actions, including the presidential primary that nominated Atiku as the ADC’s candidate.

The court’s ruling also nullified the appointment of Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary and other national officers. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, who argued that he should have taken over the party’s leadership after the resignation of the previous chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Gombe sought to invalidate the actions of the Mark-led committee, claiming they did not follow the proper constitutional procedures. The court agreed with him, stating that the committee’s formation violated the ADC’s constitution and relevant laws.

Keyamo emphasized that the law is determined by facts, not political sentiments. He accused the Mark-led faction of attempting to seize control of the party without following the correct procedures. He stated that the ADC remains a viable party with original leaders who are just as legitimate as Mark and his supporters.

This ruling raises questions about the ADC’s plans for the upcoming 2027 elections, particularly regarding the status of Atiku’s nomination and other arrangements made under the now-invalidated leadership.