A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi challenging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s victory in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, following the formal withdrawal of the case by Amaechi’s legal team. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik pronounced the dismissal on Friday after Amaechi’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, informed the court that the parties had reached a mutual resolution. The development marks the end of a legal dispute that had drawn attention to internal dynamics within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku emerged as the winner of the ADC presidential primary held in May, securing 1,846,370 votes. Amaechi came in second with 504,117 votes, while former FSB International Bank Managing Director Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes to finish third. Despite the official results, Amaechi initially rejected the outcome, alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement and electoral malpractice. He claimed the results were being “concocted,” raising concerns about the integrity of the primary process.
In response, Amaechi filed a lawsuit, arguing that the primary violated key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the ADC constitution, and the party’s guidelines for selecting candidates for the 2027 elections. He sought an injunction to prevent Atiku from presenting himself as the ADC presidential candidate and also requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not recognize Atiku as the party’s flag bearer. The legal challenge had raised questions about the party’s internal cohesion and its readiness for the upcoming presidential race.
However, the political landscape shifted in June when the ADC officially announced Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election. This move effectively ended the legal confrontation, as both leaders were now united on the same ticket. With the lawsuit withdrawn and the court striking it out, the ADC has moved forward with its presidential campaign strategy. The resolution underscores a strategic realignment within the party, prioritizing unity over litigation.
The case had attracted significant public and media attention, particularly given the high-profile nature of both Amaechi and Atiku. Their previous rivalry within the party had been a topic of speculation, but the announcement of their partnership signaled a shift toward consolidation. As the 2027 elections approach, the ADC will focus on presenting a united front, with both leaders now working together to build support across Nigeria. This development may influence voter perceptions and could shape the party’s campaign narrative in the months ahead.
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