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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday struck out a pre-election suit instituted by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Amaechi had approached the court to challenge the emergence of Abubakar as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the matter after Amaechi’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, applied for its withdrawal.

Okutepa informed the court that a notice discontinuing the suit had already been filed following an amicable resolution reached by the parties.

The senior advocate subsequently urged the court to remove the matter from its docket.

After considering the submission of counsel, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the suit be struck out.

Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation, had asked the court to nullify the presidential primary held on May 25, which produced Abubakar as the ADC presidential candidate.

In the suit, Amaechi argued that the primary election violated Sections 77(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the ADC Constitution, 2026, as well as Sections 2, 2.1 and 2.2 of the party’s guidelines governing the conduct of primary elections for the 2027 general polls.

He sought an order preventing Abubakar from presenting himself as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, maintaining that he, Amaechi, was the rightful winner of the May 25 primary.

He also requested an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Abubakar as the party’s presidential flagbearer.

Amaechi further asked the court to direct the ADC to conduct a fresh presidential primary within 14 days in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026, Article 38.4 of the party’s constitution and its electoral guidelines.

In the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1215/2026, Amaechi listed Abubakar, the ADC and INEC as defendants.

In the supporting affidavit sworn by the former governor, he stated that he is a registered member of the ADC in Ward 8, Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He also told the court that he is a registered voter qualified to vote and contest elections in Nigeria.

Amaechi described himself as “a graduate of English language from the University of Port Harcourt and also a legal practitioner.”

He further stated that he purchased the party’s presidential nomination form, underwent the screening process alongside other aspirants and was duly cleared to contest.

According to him, he actively participated in the party’s presidential primary and appointed agents and coordinators to monitor the process on his behalf at the national, state and ward levels across the country.

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