ADC Judgment Could Trigger Civil War If Not Properly Managed — Amaechi

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has warned that the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could trigger serious unrest if not properly managed.

Amaechi, the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, gave the warning during an interview on Mainland 98.3 FM, following the court’s ruling against the party’s leadership.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, invalidated the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark and affected decisions taken under the leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.

“It could cause a civil war if not properly managed,” Amaechi said, explaining that he had met with Atiku and Mark after they learnt of the judgment.

According to him, the party leaders agreed to appeal for calm and discourage supporters from reacting in ways that could escalate tensions.

Amaechi insisted that the ADC had no internal leadership crisis, arguing that the dispute arose from legal challenges to the process through which Mark and other officials assumed control of the party.

He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of benefiting politically from the uncertainty surrounding the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections. However, he did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

The court ruling followed a suit filed by Nafiu Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the ADC, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.

The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025, and subsequent actions affected by the ruling.

The ADC has challenged the judgment and sought legal relief to prevent its implementation while the appeal is considered. However, filing an appeal does not automatically suspend a court judgment.

Amaechi maintained that the party would continue its political activities and expressed confidence that it would participate in the 2027 elections.

The dispute has raised questions about the ADC’s leadership, candidate-selection process and preparations for the next general election, with the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings likely to shape the party’s political future.

Amaechi’s warning has also renewed calls for restraint among political leaders and supporters as the legal process continues.