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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF) has warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against fielding what it described as a “legally vulnerable” presidential ticket, cautioning that a proposed alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rotimi Amaechi could expose the opposition to protracted legal battles capable of derailing its electoral ambitions.
In a statement jointly signed by its Convener, Fidel Anga, Co-Convener, Bright Menget, and Strategic Director, Abasi Jonathan, in Abuja, the forum urged the opposition party to tread cautiously in selecting its presidential candidates, insisting that avoidable legal disputes could prove costly at the polls.
The group said reports of a possible Atiku-Amaechi ticket had generated concerns over the legal implications such a pairing could attract, stressing that the ADC should not ignore lessons from previous electoral cases.
According to the statement, “The opposition must not repeat mistakes that could hand victory to its opponents through the courtroom rather than the ballot box. A presidential ticket must not only be politically attractive but also legally secure.”
SPPAF recalled the 2020 Supreme Court judgment which nullified the election of David Lyon as governor-elect of Bayelsa State because of issues relating to the qualifications of his running mate.
It argued that the landmark judgment remains a clear reminder that the legal status of every member of a joint ticket is critical and can determine the fate of an entire election.
The forum also drew attention to the Rivers State government’s white paper on the administration of former Governor Amaechi, noting that political opponents could rely on issues contained in the document to institute legal challenges if he eventually emerges as part of a presidential ticket.
However, the group clarified that it was not making any legal pronouncement on the allegations contained in the white paper, but merely urging the ADC to carefully examine all possible legal and political implications before finalising its candidates.
It advised the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) to prioritise aspirants with what it described as “clear legal standing” to avoid unnecessary distractions during the electioneering period.
The forum maintained that the opposition should concentrate on presenting candidates capable of challenging for power without the burden of avoidable litigation, adding that doing so would boost public confidence in the party and strengthen its chances of electoral success.
It added that the credibility of any presidential ticket should rest not only on political calculations but also on its ability to withstand legal scrutiny before, during and after the elections.
