Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused a Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Peter Lifu, of delaying the release of the judgment that nullified the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership and its process for selecting Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate.
Titansloaded reports that Amaechi, who is the ADC vice-presidential candidate, made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, expressing concern that the party had been unable to obtain the certified judgment needed to pursue its appeal.
Amaechi said the party’s lawyers had formally applied for the document but were yet to receive it, despite completing the necessary procedures.
He argued that the delay was preventing the ADC from properly reviewing the court’s decision and advancing its legal challenge at the Court of Appeal.
Justice Lifu had, on November 5, set aside the David Mark-led ADC leadership and decisions connected to a disputed National Executive Committee meeting, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
Following the ruling, the ADC filed a notice of appeal and an application seeking a stay of execution. However, the party’s Presidential Campaign Council said its legal team had not received certified copies of the judgment despite submitting the required applications and paying the relevant fees.
Amaechi also questioned how the case was handled, particularly the court’s consideration of jurisdiction. He expressed surprise that the party’s lawyers had not challenged the judge’s approach during the proceedings.
The former Minister of Transportation further compared the party’s current legal battle with the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
He alleged that judicial decisions had repeatedly affected opposition movements whenever they made significant political progress in Nigeria.
Amaechi insisted that the country’s interest should come before political considerations, stressing the importance of fairness in the administration of justice.
Meanwhile, the ADC has rejected the court’s decision and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn it. The party has also appealed to its supporters to remain peaceful and continue their political activities while the legal process continues.
The dispute followed a lawsuit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
The judgment has increased uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general election, particularly its presidential ticket
