‎ By Hosea Parah
‎The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF) has urged the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to exercise caution over reports of a possible presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Hovernor, Rotimi Amaechi.
‎The forum made the call in a statement on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Fidel Anga, Co-Convener, Bright Menget, and Strategic Director, Abasi Jonathan.
‎It said political parties should ensure thorough due diligence in the selection of candidates and running mates ahead of future elections.
‎It said its advice was informed by previous judicial decisions affecting election outcomes, especially where issues relating to the qualification or documentation of candidates and their running mates became subjects of litigation.
‎The group cited the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in the Bayelsa State governorship election involving former APC candidate, David Lyon, saying political parties should draw lessons from the case by paying close attention to legal compliance during the nomination process.
‎It expressed the view that the ADC should prioritise candidates capable of withstanding legal scrutiny to avoid post-election disputes.
‎It also advised the party’s leadership to carefully consider political and legal implications before settling for any presidential ticket, saying this would help safeguard the party’s electoral prospects and institutional credibility.
‎The forum urged political parties generally to strengthen their internal screening processes and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution.
‎Efforts to obtain the reaction of the ADC on the forum’s position were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
‎The ADC has confirmed that the names of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, have been uploaded to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
‎The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement posted on X, describing the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.