ADC Should Thank INEC for Timely Action of De-Recognising Factions — Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to acknowledge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its decision to derecognise factions within the party’s leadership.

Keyamo made the remarks in a statement posted on X on Friday, following INEC’s action affecting the leadership linked to David Mark. He described the issue as a legal matter rather than a political one.

“The David Mark 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,” Keyamo said.

He dismissed calls to maintain the status quo, stressing that the real concern is a pending legal challenge over the party’s leadership.

“All those arguing about ‘status quo ante bellum’ are chasing shadows and not the substance. Whether INEC recognises either faction now is irrelevant; what matters is the legal challenge regarding the party’s leadership pending in court by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman,” he added.

Keyamo warned that the unresolved dispute could jeopardise the ADC’s participation in future elections.

“As long as the case remains in court, actions by either faction may become null after the deadline for INEC’s nomination of candidates. The implication is that the ADC may end up with no candidate for the election,” he said.

He argued that INEC’s move should be seen as a timely warning rather than an attack on the party.

“Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank the commission for derecognising both factions before the close of the candidate nomination window. It has forewarned the party of the danger ahead,” he said.

Keyamo advised the ADC to resolve its internal crisis, seek an accelerated court hearing, or explore alternative political options.

“It has opened a window for them to either find a new, risk-free platform, request an accelerated court hearing, or politically settle the leadership question quickly,” he said.

He also rejected claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress or INEC was responsible for the crisis.

“To keep blaming imaginary opponents or INEC is mischievous. Neither APC nor INEC prodded these ‘experienced’ politicians to hijack an existing platform without proper legal advice,” he added.

Reacting to the ADC’s plan to proceed with its congresses despite INEC’s stance, Keyamo said:

“They say they will proceed with their congresses and convention despite INEC’s decision and the Court of Appeal ruling. That is fine by us. Never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake.”