A political group, the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF), has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) not to field former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, citing findings contained in a Rivers State Government White Paper...See More
The group made the call in a statement on Sunday, claiming that findings contained in a 19-page White Paper on a judicial commission of inquiry could expose any future Atiku-Amaechi ticket to legal and political challenges.
Group cites White Paper findings
According to SPPAF, the White Paper contains findings relating to the administration of Amaechi between 2007 and 2015.
The group alleged that the document implicated the former governor in:
- The sale of 70 per cent equity in the Rivers State-owned First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) gas turbines.
- Alleged violations of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law in the Monorail and Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital projects.
- The alleged diversion of more than ₦3 billion obtained under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).
The White Paper referenced by the group was described as arising from a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Justice George Otakpo Omereji.
SPPAF warns ADC over possible legal implications
Speaking on behalf of the group, convener Fidel Anga said the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) should avoid adopting Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate.
According to the statement, SPPAF believes political opponents could rely on the findings contained in the White Paper to challenge such a ticket in court before or after an election.
The group cited the 2020 Bayelsa State governorship case involving David Lyon as an example of how legal issues affecting a running mate could impact an entire joint ticket.
SPPAF urged the ADC to nominate candidates it considers legally unencumbered ahead of future elections...See More
No response from Amaechi
As of the time of filing this report, Rotimi Amaechi had not publicly responded to the claims made by SPPAF, while the ADC had also not issued any statement on the group’s position.
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