The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Mr Laja Adeoye, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his supporters to support APM Presidential Candidate Gov. Seyi Makinde in efforts to unseat the APC in 2027.
Adeoye made this appeal in response to the court ruling that removed the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday nullified the leadership of the Mark-led ADC and invalidated all decisions taken by the party under its leadership, including the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
In his judgment, Justice Peter Lifu declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee illegal, nullifying the process through which it conducted the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer.
The court also nullified the emergence of former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as the appointments of other national officers and the nominations of candidates the party presented for the 2027 elections.
The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, instituted by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
Adeoye described the ruling as unfortunate and cautioned that ongoing legal disputes within opposition parties could undermine efforts to form a united front against the APC.
He stated that this development highlights the need for opposition leaders to prioritise political stability and strategic collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As an opposition candidate committed to a stable political atmosphere, I believe the courts should never be the primary instrument for settling internal party contests, especially this close to a general election.
“While Atiku Abubakar has the right to seek further redress at the Supreme Court if time and the law still permit, we must also consider the political implications of prolonged litigation.
“The calendar is unforgiving. Elections are near, and prolonged litigation risks fracturing the opposition further and handing the APC an easier path to retention of power,” he said.
The APM candidate encouraged Atiku and his supporters to adopt the party’s nationwide political structure, calling it a strategic step toward building a strong opposition coalition.
He said the proposal aligns with the spirit of the Ibadan Summit and the shared goal of forming a united opposition capable of challenging the APC in the upcoming elections.
Adeoye affirmed that Makinde remains the preferred presidential candidate and said the governor’s proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda offers a progressive alternative to the current administration.
“Rather than another round of bitter legal battles within the ADC that will only consume precious time and energy, I call on Atiku and his supporters to rally around this broader opposition realignment.
“The task before us is bigger than any one party or individual. It is about creating the political conditions for genuine change.
“I believe a coalition under the APM remains the easiest and most realistic path towards defeating the APC in 2027,” he said.
Adeoye also reiterated his commitment to his APM governorship bid in Lagos under the Reset Lagos Agenda, also known as Atunto Eko 1.0.
He stated that combining Makinde’s presidential ambition with his own governorship candidacy would create a coordinated national and state-level platform to challenge the APC.
Adeoye emphasized that a united opposition should focus on mobilising voters and preparing for the elections, rather than allowing internal disputes and court cases to weaken its prospects.
He added that he remains open to collaborating with progressive political groups committed to achieving change through the ballot.
