A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu over the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under its leadership.

The firm warned that the development could become a defining moment in Tinubu’s political downfall ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing officials of the President’s administration of celebrating a ruling that has dealt a major blow to the opposition party.

Von Batten-Montague-York made the remarks in a statement on its X account on Thursday, November 5, while reacting to a social media post by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who had commented on the court’s decision.

The firm criticised Keyamo’s reaction, arguing that his comments could create the impression that the Federal Government was celebrating a judicial decision capable of disrupting the political ambitions of one of Tinubu’s major challengers.

It also announced plans to present the minister’s post to officials of the administration of United States President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress, describing the development as a matter requiring international attention.

In its statement, the firm suggested that the President’s political associates could be turning the court judgment into a political liability for his administration.

The warning followed Thursday’s judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman from the North-East.

The court nullified the David Mark-led caretaker leadership and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Gombe had argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu. He challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership, claiming that the process violated the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The ruling has intensified the ADC’s leadership crisis and raised questions about the party’s participation in the 2027 elections. The party has indicated that it intends to challenge the judgment on appeal.

The US firm’s warning adds an international dimension to the controversy, although its allegations of government interference have not been independently substantiated. The court’s decision remains a judicial ruling arising from the suit before it, and the legal and political consequences are likely to remain subjects of further debate.