ABUJA, Nigeria – Festus Keyamo has mocked the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its reaction to the recent derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting to the ongoing political drama on Friday, Keyamo dismissed the opposition party’s complaints as mere “emotional reasoning and blackmail” to escape a legal conundrum of their own making.
Emphasizing that the law relies on facts and evidence rather than sentiment, Keyamo pointed out that the ongoing court challenge by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman regarding the party’s takeover is the core issue. He warned that as long as the case remains in court, any actions taken by the factions could be nullified after the candidate nomination deadline. “The implication is that the ADC may end up having NO CANDIDATE for the election,” he cautioned, adding that arguing over the ‘status quo ante bellum’ is simply “chasing shadows and not the substance.”
Keyamo argued that rather than attacking the electoral body or blaming imaginary opponents, the ADC should be grateful. “Therefore, instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should rather thank INEC for this timely action of de-recognising both factions BEFORE the close of the window for nominating candidates,” he stated. He noted that the early warning gives the party a window to either find a risk-free platform, seek an accelerated court hearing, or settle the leadership crisis politically.
Dismissing the ADC’s accusations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as mischievous, Keyamo stated that no one forced the supposedly experienced politicians to hijack an existing platform without sound legal advice.
Reacting to the faction’s vow to proceed with its planned congresses and convention despite the Court of Appeal ruling and INEC’s stance, Keyamo concluded with a famous strategic maxim: “NEVER INTERRUPT YOUR OPPONENT WHEN HE IS MAKING A MISTAKE.”
