Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has taken a swipe at the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, warning that the party risks being completely shut out of the 2027 general elections if it fails to resolve its internal disputes.
Keyamo’s comments come amid escalating tensions between rival factions within the party and the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition from its leadership.
In a strongly worded post shared on Friday, Keyamo criticised the faction led by David Mark, accusing it of attempting to rely on sentiment rather than legal clarity to navigate what he described as a self-inflicted crisis.
According to him, the faction’s arguments were rooted in “emotional reasoning and blackmail,” insisting that legal matters cannot be resolved through public pressure or political rhetoric. He also dismissed the reliance on the legal principle of status quo ante bellum, noting that those invoking it were focusing on technicalities rather than addressing the core issues at stake.
Keyamo warned that the ongoing court case surrounding the party’s leadership could have far-reaching consequences, particularly with electoral timelines approaching. He explained that if the dispute remains unresolved before INEC’s deadline for candidate nominations, any actions taken by either faction could be rendered invalid, potentially leaving the party without candidates in the 2027 elections.
“The implication is that the ADC may end up having no candidate for the election,” he said, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
INEC had earlier announced that it would no longer recognise the Mark-led executive, citing a Court of Appeal ruling directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case at the Federal High Court. The commission also made it clear that it would not recognise any faction of the party until the legal dispute is fully resolved, a move that has intensified the crisis within the ADC.
However, Mark rejected the commission’s stance, accusing INEC of acting in contempt of court and calling for the removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan. Despite the legal uncertainty, the Mark faction has insisted it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, arguing that electoral laws do not require INEC’s presence for such internal party activities.
The ruling All Progressives Congress has denied any involvement in the ADC’s troubles, with its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, describing the situation as entirely self-inflicted.
Keyamo echoed this sentiment, rejecting claims that either the APC or INEC played a role in triggering the crisis. He argued that the dispute stemmed from internal decisions made without adequate legal guidance. Reacting to Mark’s insistence on proceeding with party activities despite the dispute, Keyamo adopted a dismissive tone, suggesting that the ADC was only worsening its own situation, saying, “That is fine by us. Never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake.”
From a broader perspective, the unfolding crisis within the ADC highlights a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s political landscape, where internal party disputes often derail long-term electoral ambitions. Rather than focusing on strengthening structures and presenting credible alternatives to voters, opposition parties frequently find themselves entangled in leadership battles that weaken their chances before elections even begin.
The ADC’s situation serves as a cautionary tale, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections. In a political environment where timing and organisation are critical, unresolved legal disputes can quickly translate into lost opportunities. For emerging and smaller parties, the lesson is clear, political ambition must be backed by strong legal foundations, internal cohesion, and strategic planning. Without these, even the most promising platforms risk becoming irrelevant when it matters most.
As the legal battle continues, the coming months will determine whether the ADC can resolve its differences and remain a viable political force, or fade from contention due to internal missteps.
