Arise News anchor, Reuben Abati, has reacted to the statement by Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, over the Federal High Court judgment that sacked the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Abati spoke on Friday during Arise Television's Morning Show, where he faulted Keyamo's tone and warned that celebration by government officials over a court judgment against the opposition only fuels suspicion.

Keyamo had said the warped subliminal logic floating around is that it is impossible for an opposition party to lose a case in court, and if it does, then it must be the interference of the ruling party.

Abati disagreed with that framing, saying that Nigerians are not questioning the right of the court to decide disputes, but the timing, the optics and the speed with which government officials rush to celebrate judgments that knock out opposition candidates.

He cautioned against speculation about external influence on the judiciary, but said the concerns raised by the opposition cannot be dismissed as mere sentiments, stating that the matter is far from over.

"Stop celebrating, Keyamo. The matter is not over yet. They will go to the Appeal Court.

"And then, the Appeal Court will be able to look at the issues either about procedure, about timing, about technicality, about evidence, how evidence was filed, and whether the procedure should have been through originating summons or another thing," Abati said.

He warned that when a minister whose portfolio has nothing to do with elections becomes the loudest voice celebrating the removal of an opposition presidential candidate, it creates the impression of the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau.

The ADC has already vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, and the appellate court will have to look at the issues of procedure, timing, technicality and evidence.

2027: ‘Stop celebrating’ – Abati fires Keyamo over judgment against Atiku

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2027 election in Kaduna State, Usman Shehu Bawa, ABG, has suspended all his campaign activities following the death of three party members in a fatal motor accident.

The victims died on their way home after attending a meeting in Kaduna.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the gubernatorial candidate expressed deep sorrow over the death of the party members.

He explained that the inauguration of his campaign council, and other related activities planned for Saturday have been suspended till further notice.

He expressed regret for the inconvenience the suspension may have caused, particularly to individuals invited for the occasion.

The three deceased members are all from Jema’a Local Government Area of the state and are identified as Caleb Ishaya Alot – Secretary of PDP, Jema'a LGA, Mercy Achi – Women leader, Wise Ward and Charity Bahago – member of the PDP, Wise Ward.

According to Shehu ABG, "The incident is a painful loss to the bereaved families and the entire PDP family in the state."

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate families and the people of Jema’a Local Government Area and members of the party in the state over the painful loss.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident.

Kaduna PDP guber candidate, Bawa suspends activities over death of party members