NDC candidate cautions against celebrating Atiku’s disqualification, alleges APC benefits from opposition divisions

A senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) in Kogi East, High Chief Peter Ameh, has described the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy as a warning to all opposition parties.

Ameh cautioned opposition politicians against celebrating the judgment simply because it affects a rival political camp, warning that the same circumstances could potentially be deployed against other parties.

In a statement reacting to the judgment, he said political affiliation should not prevent opposition stakeholders from recognising the wider implications of the development.

“Do not celebrate this judgment just because it hurts the other side,” he warned.

According to him, the same forces capable of removing a candidate or leadership structure from one political party could turn against another when it becomes politically convenient.

He argued that the development should be viewed beyond immediate partisan interests, particularly as opposition parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Ameh alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) stood to benefit from the crisis rocking opposition parties, arguing that a divided opposition would weaken efforts to challenge the ruling party.

“The APC, which is the ultimate beneficiary of this judgment, will be happy keeping any party in the opposition weakened. They do not care which party logo you wave. They want us fighting each other so we never notice the real game being played against all of us,” he said.

The NDC candidate urged opposition politicians to remain vigilant, insisting that the judgment should not be celebrated as a victory for any political camp.

“Stay alert. This is not a win for any side. It is a warning,” he added.

He maintained that the priority of political stakeholders should be ensuring free, fair and credible elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ameh also criticised the APC-led Federal Government, accusing it of failing to provide good governance to Nigerians over the past 11 years.

He consequently called on opposition parties to work collectively towards ending the APC’s rule, arguing that political divisions could undermine their ability to hold the government accountable. (Guardian)