Abati Warns Keyamo: Stop Celebrating ADC Court Win, Appeal Coming

Arise News anchor Reuben Abati today criticized Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for celebrating the Federal High Court judgment that sacked the David Mark-led ADC leadership. Keyamo had dismissed opposition concerns as "warped subliminal logic" claiming opponents cry foul only when they lose.

Abati pushed back on Friday's Morning Show, saying Nigerians aren't questioning the court's right to decide but the timing, optics, and speed with which government officials rush to celebrate judgments knocking out opposition figures. He warned that when a minister whose portfolio has nothing to do with elections becomes the loudest voice celebrating an opposition candidate's removal, it creates "the impression of the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau."

The ADC has already vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. The appellate court will examine issues of procedure, timing, technicality, and evidence — including whether the case should have proceeded via originating summons.

This marks an early flashpoint in 2027 election legal battles. When ruling party officials publicly cheer opposition legal defeats before appeals are exhausted, it fuels public suspicion about judicial independence regardless of the court's actual reasoning.

With 2027 election disputes already entering the courts, will appellate rulings calm or deepen suspicions about judicial independence?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/06/2027-keyamo-stop-celebrating-abati-fires-back-over-atiku-judgment/