Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reacted to the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the party.
Keyamo, in a post shared on X on Friday, defended the court’s decision, insisting that judicial rulings should be determined by facts and evidence rather than public sentiment or political pressure.
The minister dismissed suggestions that the judgment poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, saying the country would not suffer if former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar does not appear on the ballot in the 2027 presidential election.
“Heavens will not fall if a certain Atiku Abubakar is not on the ballot in 2027,” Keyamo stated.
He also cautioned against attacking judicial officers or attempting to intimidate the judiciary whenever court decisions do not favour a particular political interest.
Keyamo Defends Court Judgment on ADC Leadership Crisis
Reacting to the controversy surrounding the ADC leadership dispute, Keyamo argued that the party remains an existing political organisation with original leaders and members whose rights and interests should also be recognised.
According to the minister, members of the party outside the now-nullified leadership structure are equally entitled to participate in the political process.
He maintained that court judgments should be respected regardless of whose political interests are affected.
Court Nullifies David Mark-Led ADC Leadership
The reaction followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.
The ruling also invalidated the process that reportedly produced Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The judgment has intensified the dispute over the party’s leadership and raised questions about the political future of those associated with the David Mark-led faction.
Keyamo References Previous APC Court Rulings
In defending the judiciary, Keyamo reportedly referred to previous Supreme Court decisions involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State in 2020 and Zamfara State in 2019.
Those rulings went against the APC, but the minister argued that political parties must demonstrate consistency in accepting judicial decisions, including when such decisions do not favour them.
The ADC leadership crisis continues to attract attention as political stakeholders assess the implications of the court’s decision ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development adds another dimension to the unfolding political situation surrounding Atiku Abubakar, David Mark and the African Democratic Congress as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
