The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called for the immediate release of the Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court, Abuja, judgment that voided the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 polls. In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the council expressed concern over the delay in obtaining the certified copy despite their counsel applying for it and paying the required fee. The party argued that withholding the certified copy prevents the affected parties from knowing the exact orders made and responding fully through the courts.
According to the ADC campaign council, their counsel applied for the certified copy on November 6, 2026, and paid the assessed fee, while counsel for the third defendant applied on the day before the judgment was delivered. Both applications carry the Federal High Court's "PAID" stamp, meeting every requirement. However, the applicants are still being denied the judgment. The party described this as an indefensible denial of access to a ruling that directly affects the party and its members.
The ADC campaign council further argued that the delay in releasing the certified copy is not a routine administrative delay but a denial of access to a court decision that directly affects the rights of the parties. Justice Lifu declared the judgment ready, and the applicants paid for its certified copy, but the court has acknowledged payment yet to provide the document. The party questioned why the litigants are still being kept in the dark about the judgment.
The judgment concerns the leadership of a major political party and the rights of its members. Withholding its certified copy prevents the affected parties from knowing the exact orders made and responding fully through the courts. The ADC campaign council stated that if the ruling is sound, there is no justification for keeping it out of reach. The party demanded that the Federal High Court release the judgment immediately and explain why paid applications have gone unanswered.
The ADC campaign council also raised concerns about the timing and conduct of this process, arguing that it is indefensible. Justice Lifu delivered the judgment days after the ADC launched its Sokoto campaign, then declared the copies ready, yet the parties' paid applications remain unanswered. The party suggested that the public may question whether this was a judicial process or a calculated attempt to deliver a political blow while denying the party the document needed to challenge it.
The ADC campaign council emphasized that the party will not be intimidated or denied its right to challenge this ruling. Any attempt to obstruct that right will be met with every lawful action available, and those responsible will be held to account through the proper legal and institutional channels. The party demanded the immediate release of the certified judgment and a public explanation for the delay.
The ADC campaign council warned that every day the judgment is withheld deepens the damage to confidence in the judiciary. The party stated that those responsible must understand that the ADC will pursue every lawful remedy, place the full record before the appropriate authorities, and ensure that Nigerians know what has happened. No party, official, or judicial officer is beyond scrutiny when the rights of citizens and the integrity of the electoral process are at stake.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council demands the immediate release of the Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court judgment voiding Atiku Abubakar's nomination.
- The party argues that withholding the certified copy prevents the affected parties from knowing the exact orders made and responding fully through the courts.
- The ADC campaign council warned that it will pursue every lawful remedy and hold those responsible accountable if the judgment is not released immediately.
