A Federal High Court in Nigeria has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, citing violations of the party's constitution and the Electoral Act. The court ruled that the emergence of the David Mark-led caretaker committee was illegal, invalidating its actions, including the conduct of the presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party's flag bearer. This decision was made in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman.
The court's judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and consequently invalidated its actions. The committee's appointments of national officers and nominations of candidates for the 2027 elections were also nullified. Gombe had argued that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party's leadership after the resignation of the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu. The ADC, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola, and Nwosu were listed as defendants in the suit.
Reacting to the judgment, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, took to social media to express his thoughts. Keyamo mocked Atiku Abubakar, stating that the law is decided on facts and evidence, not sentiments and outrage. He accused the Mark-led faction of attempting to take over the party without following constitutional procedures. Keyamo emphasized that justice may be slow but is always certain.
Keyamo's statement was posted on his social media handle, where he wrote that the law is not determined by emotions or public outrage but by facts and evidence. He criticized the Mark-led faction for attempting to hijack the party without a prior meeting and approval of a mini National Convention or the National Executive Committee. Keyamo also accused Atiku Abubakar of contesting the presidency while claiming democracy was in danger.
The judgment has cast uncertainty over the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections. The status of the presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar and other political arrangements made under the nullified leadership are now in question. The party's ability to participate in the elections may be affected by this court decision.
Atiku Abubakar was produced as the ADC's flag bearer through a presidential primary conducted by the Mark-led leadership. The nullification of this leadership's actions raises questions about Abubakar's candidacy. The ADC and its leaders will need to take steps to address this situation and ensure the party's participation in the 2027 elections.
The court ruling and Keyamo's reaction highlight the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape. The law, as emphasized by Keyamo, is based on facts and evidence, and those who violate it must face the consequences. The ADC and its leaders must now navigate this challenging situation and find a way forward.
Key points
- The Nigerian court nullified the African Democratic Congress leadership due to constitutional violations.
- Minister Festus Keyamo criticized Atiku Abubakar's involvement, stating that the law is based on facts and evidence, not sentiments.
- The judgment has cast uncertainty over the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections.
