2027 Election: Legal Expert Warns Atiku’s Presidential Ambition Could Be In Danger

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has criticised former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, over his interpretation of the recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amadi described Melaye’s position as a wrong legal interpretation, insisting that the court’s decision could affect the eligibility of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.

The controversy followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the David Mark-led leadership structure of the ADC and activities carried out under it, including the party’s presidential primary election conducted in May.

The ruling has generated uncertainty within the opposition party, particularly over the status of Atiku, who emerged as its presidential candidate following the primary.

However, Melaye, in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, argued that Atiku’s name was not mentioned in the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

Reacting to the claim, Amadi faulted Melaye’s interpretation, explaining that the court’s decision to invalidate the activities of the Mark-led leadership also affected the primary election that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Amadi maintained that although he did not necessarily agree with the correctness of the judgment, its legal implications would remain significant if it was not overturned on appeal.

He argued that the ADC must focus on challenging the ruling rather than relying on an interpretation that could create a false sense of security over Atiku’s candidacy.

“No, no. This is a completely wrong legal opinion. The judgment nullifies the election conducted under David Mark.

“That does not mean it is a correct judgment. But if it stands, Atiku is not a candidate. That is why you need to fight to vacate that judgment,” Amadi stated.

He further cautioned against what he described as subjective interpretations of court decisions, stressing the importance of ensuring that Atiku remains eligible to participate in what he believes should be a competitive 2027 presidential election.

The disagreement has added another dimension to the ADC’s ongoing leadership crisis, with the party facing legal and political challenges over its leadership structure and preparations for the next general elections.