NDC candidate warns opposition against celebrating ADC court ruling

Peter Ameh, the High Chief and National Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial aspirant for Kogi East, advised rival political groups to refrain from rejoicing over a recent judicial ruling. The ruling, issued in Abuja, resulted in the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark and the nullification of Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy. Speaking on Thursday, Ameh argued that the decision should not be interpreted as a victory for any specific political camp, but rather as a strategic move that benefits the ruling party.

Ameh stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands to gain from any division or weakening of opposition forces. He emphasized that the ruling party is indifferent to which specific opposition party is weakened, provided that the opposition remains fractured and unable to mount a unified challenge. He described the judgment as a tool designed to keep opposition groups engaged in internal disputes, thereby distracting them from the broader political dynamics at play.

Background

The controversy stems from a court order that struck down the leadership structure of the ADC, specifically the National Working Committee headed by David Mark. This legal action also had the effect of invalidating the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, a prominent political figure. The ruling has created a significant rift within the opposition camp, with various factions potentially viewing the outcome as a win for their respective positions. However, Ameh, representing the NDC, has publicly distanced his party from any sense of triumph over the ADC or its candidates. He highlighted that the political landscape in Nigeria is characterized by a dominant ruling party that has been in power for 11 years, during which time, according to Ameh, it has failed to deliver effective governance to the Nigerian people.

Ameh’s comments come at a time when opposition parties are grappling with the implications of judicial interventions in their internal affairs. The NDC candidate for Kogi East used the platform to criticize the APC-led administration, labeling it as the primary problem in the country’s political system. He urged his colleagues in the opposition to look beyond the immediate legal victory or defeat and focus on the collective goal of ending the current administration's rule.

Why it matters

The remarks by High Chief Peter Ameh are significant because they attempt to reframe the narrative surrounding the ADC court ruling. Ameh implied that the entities responsible for the decision could turn it against any opposing group at their convenience, noting that a current win for one faction may become a tool against another later. He argued that political affiliation offers no protection against such maneuvers. The stakes are high for the opposition, as internal infighting could further weaken their ability to challenge the APC in upcoming elections. Ameh stressed that the APC is the ultimate beneficiary of the judgment, as it thrives on a divided opposition. He encouraged political organizations to focus their efforts on securing free, fair, and credible elections instead of fighting over internal leadership and candidate selection. This perspective aligns with broader calls for opposition unity in the face of a long-standing ruling party that has been accused of governance failures over the past decade.

What happens next

While the sources do not specify immediate procedural next steps following the court judgment, Ameh’s call for unity implies that opposition parties may seek to form alliances or coordinate their strategies to counter the APC. The focus will likely shift from celebrating the legal outcome to organizing a collective response to the ruling party's governance record. The NDC and other opposition groups are expected to continue advocating for electoral reforms and credible processes, using the current political climate as a catalyst for broader mobilization against the APC administration.