Amaechi compares ADC court battle to Abiola’s June 12 ordeal

Rotimi Amaechi, vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), drew parallels between the current legal battle over the party's presidential candidacy and the events surrounding the annulment of the 1993 presidential election led by late Chief MKO Abiola. Amaechi expressed anxiety over judicial interventions potentially thwarting opposition parties' progress, cautioning Nigeria against repeating the aftermath of the 1993 election annulment.

The June 12 election, considered one of Nigeria's most free and fair polls, saw Abiola win the presidential race for the Social Democratic Party. However, on June 23, 1993, General Ibrahim Babangida's military government annulled the election, provoking widespread protests and a protracted struggle for democracy. Abiola subsequently declared himself president and was detained by the military government of General Sani Abacha in 1994, ultimately dying in detention on July 7, 1998, without assuming the presidency.

During an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Amaechi highlighted the concern that whenever opposition parties in Nigeria make political advancements, someone in the judiciary seeks to challenge their progress. This, he noted, occurred with Abiola and is currently happening again, suggesting that the interests of the country should take precedence over personal interests.

However, Amaechi clarified that the ADC is not against judicial intervention or the administration of justice, but insists that court decisions be impartial and genuine. The party intends to appeal the recent Federal High Court judgment voiding Atiku Abubakar's emergence as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, asserting confidence that the appellate court would overturn the decision.

Amaechi urged ADC supporters to remain calm and continue their political activities, promising that the party will ensure justice at the higher court.