SPPAF Warns ADC Against ‘Risky’ Presidential Ticket

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The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against fielding an Atiku Abubakar–Rotimi Amaechi presidential ticket, warning that it could face legal challenges.

The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s Convener, Fidel Anga, Co-Convener, Bright Menget, and Strategic Director, Abasi Jonathan, in Abuja.
The statement specifically warned against reports suggesting a possible presidential ticket comprising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
According to the statement, such a ticket could expose the opposition to prolonged legal disputes capable of weakening its electoral prospects.
It referenced the 2020 Bayelsa governorship case involving David Lyon, whose election was nullified by the Supreme Court over issues relating to the qualifications of his deputy governorship running mate.
The Forum said the case underscores the need to ensure that every member of a joint ticket is free from legal encumbrances.
The statement also referred to a Rivers State Government white paper on the administration of former Governor Amaechi, noting that political opponents could rely on issues raised in the document to initiate legal challenges should he emerge as part of a presidential ticket.
It stressed that it was not making any legal determination on the allegations contained in the white paper but advised the ADC to carefully consider any potential legal and political implications before deciding on its candidates.
The Forum called on the party’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee to prioritise candidates with what it described as “clear legal standing” in order to avoid distractions that could affect the opposition’s chances in future elections.
It added that the opposition should focus on presenting candidates capable of contesting elections without the burden of avoidable legal disputes, saying this would strengthen public confidence and safeguard the party’s electoral prospects.