Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed a Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the party. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, purportedly removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and raised questions over the validity of the party's candidates, including Atiku's presidential nomination. Atiku described the judgment as a calculated attempt to weaken the ADC and frustrate his 2027 presidential campaign.
Atiku, in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said there was no cause for panic among his supporters. He insisted that the judgment would not derail the party's campaign or its message of providing relief to Nigerians. The judgment came barely a day after thousands of supporters gathered in Sokoto for his campaign and the launch of the ADC's campaign in the state.
Atiku said the people of Sokoto came out in their thousands because they are hungry for change and believe in the party's promise to make life affordable again. He stated that what was witnessed in Sokoto was only the beginning, and that the people of Kebbi and Nigerians across the country would have their say as the campaign moves forward. Atiku emphasized that his political roots in Northern Nigeria should not be misconstrued as an indication that his presidential ambition was limited to the region.
The former Vice President said his candidacy belongs to all Nigerians, and that there is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North. According to Atiku, the economic hardship confronting Nigerians cuts across geographical and regional boundaries, making the 2027 election a national contest. He stated that hunger and hardship do not respect regional boundaries, and that Nigerians across the country are suffering under the current government.
Atiku alleged that the timing of the court ruling was part of a broader strategy to weaken his support base in the North and slow the momentum of his campaign. He, however, said the ruling party had miscalculated by assuming that his support was restricted to Northern Nigeria. Atiku stated that what was seen in Sokoto and what would be seen in Kebbi and across the country is the strength of a national movement.
The ADC presidential candidate also questioned the legal basis of the latest judgment, recalling an earlier decision by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025. Atiku questioned why another case was instituted to revisit the same dispute after the earlier decision, describing it as a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment.
Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, insisting that the latest development would not stop the party's campaign activities. He called on supporters to continue taking the party's message to Nigerians across the country while remaining focused on the 2027 election. Atiku declared that there is no shaking, and that the party's campaign train would continue to move across the country.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar dismisses court judgment affecting ADC leadership.
- Judgment described as attempt to weaken ADC and frustrate 2027 presidential campaign.
- Atiku urges supporters to remain calm and focused on 2027 election.
