Aviation Minister Keyamo weighs in on ADC deregistration, says INEC is right

Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has reacted to Wednesday’s deregistration of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairman David Mark and others from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website, citing a court ruling over the party’s leadership.

Keyamo said the faction led by Mark was relying on sentiment and blackmail to escape a legal situation of its own making. He stressed that law is based on facts, evidence and interpretation, not sympathy or political considerations.

In a statement on Friday, the Minister warned that arguments about “status quo ante bellum” were misplaced, noting that the real issue is a pending court case over the party’s leadership. He cautioned that, unless resolved, both factions risk leaving the ADC without candidates after INEC’s nomination deadline.

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He urged the party to thank INEC for its timely action, which serves as a warning and gives room to either seek an accelerated hearing, politically settle the dispute, or find a new platform.

Keyamo dismissed claims of external interference, saying neither APC nor INEC pushed politicians to hijack a platform without sound legal advice. He added that if the factions insist on proceeding with congresses and conventions 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.”