The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his disappointment and criticism over a recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark. According to Atiku, the judgment is an attempt to destabilize the party and undermine his 2027 presidential ambition. He described the ruling as politically motivated and deliberately timed to weaken the ADC.
Atiku made his comments through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. The former vice president alleged that the judgment was timed to undermine the massive turnout that welcomed him to Sokoto State during the launch of his presidential campaign. Atiku emphasized that the ruling would not derail the party's campaign or its efforts to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku maintained that his presidential ambition is not limited to Northern Nigeria, but rather cuts across regional and ethnic boundaries. He stated that while he hails from Northern Nigeria, his candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. Atiku emphasized that hunger and hardship do not respect regional boundaries, and Nigerians across the country are suffering under the current government.
The former vice president further alleged that the judgment is part of a broader strategy to weaken his political support in the North and disrupt the growing momentum of his campaign. Atiku stated that the timing of the judgment is no coincidence and that it is part of a strategy to weaken his support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country.
Atiku questioned the legal basis of the judgment, arguing that the dispute over the party's leadership had previously been decided by another judge of the same court. According to him, Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court had earlier dismissed the challenge to the David Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025. Atiku said the court upheld the defendants' objections on jurisdiction, standing, and failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated all actions taken by the party executives. The affected decisions included the party's nomination of Atiku as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Atiku had earlier been listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the ADC presidential candidate.
Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that the court ruling would not affect the party's campaign activities. He disclosed that the campaign train had already moved to Kebbi State and would continue its activities across the country. Atiku emphasized that the party's Affordable Life campaign would continue, and Nigerians deserve relief from the crushing cost-of-living crisis.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the ADC leadership.
- The judgment is seen as an attempt to destabilize the party and undermine Atiku's 2027 presidential ambition.
- Atiku remains confident that the party's campaign will continue unaffected by the court ruling.
