The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has frowned at Presidency’s clarification of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent remarks.
In a show of support for the Vice-President, the party maintains that Shettima was on point in saying the President lacks constitutional authority to remove a sitting governor.
In a press statement issued Friday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the Vice President’s remarks were rooted in constitutional principles and historical precedent.
“The truth must not be lost in the fog of political correctness that is currently emanating from Aso Rock,” the statement said.
“What made the removal of an elected governor wrong under President Jonathan is the same that makes it wrong under President Tinubu. The only difference is that one respected the constitution, and the other sees it as something to be bent to fit political agendas.”
The party argued that President Tinubu’s decision to strip Fubara of his constitutional authority reflects a troubling departure from constitutional order.
“The suspension of a duly elected governor is not just unconstitutional—it is authoritarian,” the statement continued.
“The ongoing executi ve overreach poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and federalism.”
Responding to the Presidency’s justification that a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State warranted federal intervention, the ADC drew a comparison to the Boko Haram insurgency during Jonathan’s tenure. Despite widespread insecurity, it noted, Jonathan respected constitutional boundaries while declaring a state of emergency.
“What happened in Chibok, Buni Yadi and elsewhere under Jonathan’s watch—abductions, killings, attacks on sovereignty—was far more severe than anything being cited in Rivers today. Yet, he did not attempt to unseat elected officials or undermine democratic structures,” the statement said.
