The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the Presidency’s clarification on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent statement, insisting that the VP was right in asserting that the President lacks constitutional power to remove a sitting governor.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticized the Presidency’s response as an attempt to water down a vital truth under the guise of political correctness.
According to ADC, the facts of the constitution are clear and must not be clouded by partisan interpretations. “The Vice President’s statement is rooted in the Nigerian Constitution, which clearly limits the powers of the president in relation to state governance,” the statement read.
The party drew a parallel between current developments in Rivers State and similar attempts during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It referenced how Shettima, then Governor of Borno State, was nearly removed, but the idea was firmly resisted by the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and supported by former Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke, both affirming that the President lacks such powers.
The ADC emphasized that under President Jonathan, despite the Boko Haram insurgency and severe national security threats—the constitutional process was respected. President Tinubu, the party argued, must follow the same precedent and avoid any unconstitutional interference in the affairs of Rivers State.
Describing the political crisis in Rivers as “executive overreach,” the ADC warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s federalism and democratic integrity. “Nigeria is not a monarchy,” the party said, “and the powers of the President are not absolute. They are bounded by law and guided by constitutional principles.”
Call for Action and Apology
The ADC called on President Tinubu to restore democratic order in Rivers State and end what it described as “illegal interference.” The party also demanded a public apology from the President to Nigerians for what it termed a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“The suspension of an elected governor without constitutional backing is dangerous and unacceptable,” the statement added. “We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to reject this trend and stand in defence of democracy and justice.”
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting constitutionalism and democratic governance, pledging continued support for the rights of citizens and the integrity of Nigeria’s federal system.
