Abati Tackles Keyamo Over Celebration of Court Judgment Against ADC Leadership

Arise News anchor Reuben Abati has criticised Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo over his reaction to the Federal High Court judgment that removed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Abati spoke on Friday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he questioned Keyamo’s tone and warned that public celebrations by government officials over court decisions affecting opposition figures could fuel suspicion about political interference.

Keyamo had dismissed suggestions that the ruling was influenced by the ruling party, arguing that the opposition appeared unwilling to accept that it could lose a case in court.

He said the assumption that every legal setback suffered by an opposition party must be the work of the ruling government was flawed.

However, Abati disagreed with that position, saying the concerns raised by critics were not necessarily about the court’s authority to decide disputes. Rather, he said, attention should be paid to the timing of the judgment, the circumstances surrounding the proceedings and the reaction of government officials.

Abati cautioned against making unsupported claims that the judiciary had been influenced by external forces. However, he maintained that questions surrounding the case should not be dismissed as mere political sentiments.

He also reminded Keyamo that the legal battle was not over, as the ADC had indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

“Stop celebrating, Keyamo. The matter is not over yet. They will go to the Appeal Court,” Abati said.

He explained that the appellate court would have an opportunity to examine issues surrounding the case, including the procedure adopted, the timing of the proceedings, technical questions and the evidence presented.

Abati also questioned why a minister whose portfolio does not directly concern electoral administration had become a prominent voice celebrating a judgment affecting the opposition.

He said such public reactions could create the impression that the government was celebrating a political setback for its opponents, even where there was no established evidence of interference.

The ADC has vowed to appeal the Federal High Court judgment, setting the stage for further legal proceedings over the party’s leadership dispute.