Keyamo: David Mark-led ADC using emotional blackmail over legal crisis

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has accused the faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark of resorting to “emotional reasoning and blackmail” in an attempt to escape a legal predicament of its own making.

Keyamo stressed that legal matters are determined by facts, evidence, and proper interpretation of the law—not sentiment or political sympathy.

He made the remarks following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the Mark-led faction of the party.

Responding to the faction’s rejection of INEC’s action, Keyamo dismissed arguments about maintaining the “status quo ante bellum” as a distraction from the real issue. According to him, the core concern is an ongoing court case challenging the party’s leadership takeover, filed by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman.

He warned that as long as the matter remains unresolved in court, any actions taken by either faction could ultimately be invalidated after INEC’s deadline for candidate nominations—potentially leaving the ADC without any candidates in the election.

Rather than criticising INEC, Keyamo said the party should appreciate the commission’s timely intervention, which he believes has alerted them to the risks ahead. He suggested the ADC explore options such as resolving its internal leadership dispute, seeking a speedy court hearing, or considering an alternative political platform.

The minister also described attempts to blame INEC or political opponents as “mischievous,” noting that neither the commission nor the ruling APC forced the party’s leaders into their current situation.

“They claim they will go ahead with their congresses and convention despite INEC’s decision and a Court of Appeal ruling. That is their choice,” Keyamo said, adding, “Never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake.”