WASHINGTON, D.C. — A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has warned President Bola Tinubu that the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress could become a defining moment in his political downfall.
The firm accused the Nigerian government of celebrating a court ruling that could affect the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. It described Atiku as Tinubu’s main opponent ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reaction to Keyamo’s Post
Von Batten-Montague-York issued the warning while reacting to a social media post by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Keyamo had commented on the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a post on X, the firm accused officials of the Tinubu administration of openly celebrating a ruling. It claimed the ruling could eliminate the President’s leading political rival from the forthcoming presidential election.
“Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s agents and officials are truly the gift that keeps on giving,” the firm wrote.
“The Nigerian Presidency is openly celebrating a court ruling that reportedly indicates they arranged to eliminate current Nigerian President Tinubu’s main rival in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election.”
Criticism of Keyamo
The firm criticised Keyamo’s reaction. It argued that the aviation minister’s comments could be interpreted as evidence of the government’s involvement in efforts to undermine the opposition.
It disclosed that it would present Keyamo’s post to officials of the administration of United States President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress.
“We are going to be presenting the X post of Festus Keyamo, President Tinubu’s Minister of Aviation, whose government portfolio has nothing to do with elections or electoral integrity. He is openly celebrating what a senior congressional staffer described as an ‘open display of election interference by the Nigerian government.’ We will present this to members of the Trump administration and Congress,” the statement added.
Warning to Tinubu
Von Batten-Montague-York further warned Tinubu that the development could have serious political consequences. It suggested that the President’s reaction to the judgment might eventually work against him.
“We have a prediction for current Nigerian President Tinubu: In a few months, you are going to look at this court ruling and Keyamo’s post as the defining moment when the rope the United States has been giving you to figuratively hang yourself finally became the instrument of your own political downfall,” the firm stated.
The Court Judgment
The warning followed Thursday’s judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court nullified the leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark.
It also declared its actions on behalf of the party invalid.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment while ruling on a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe. Gombe is a former National Deputy Chairman of the party from the North-East. He challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership emerged.
Gombe argued that he was entitled to take over the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
He asked the court to nullify decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership. He also sought to restrain Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
The plaintiff maintained that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
Implications
The court upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs he sought. This effectively invalidated decisions taken by the Mark-led Caretaker Committee. It also invalidated the primary election that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Atiku had earlier been presented as the ADC presidential candidate. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was selected as his running mate.
What This Means
The judgment is a significant development in the 2027 election cycle. It could alter the political landscape and affect the opposition’s chances.
The warning from the US firm adds to the international scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process.
What Happens Next
The ADC has vowed to challenge the judgment on appeal. The party said it remains confident that Atiku’s candidacy will be upheld.
For now, the focus is on the appeal process. The coming weeks will reveal how the situation develops.
