Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will contest in the 2027 general election, despite a court ruling that nullified the African Democratic Congress' (ADC) congresses and sacked its National Executive Committee. Atiku made the declaration in a statement posted on his verified social media account, saying that no manipulation or conjecture can erase his party's place in the contest. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to weaken the opposition through courtroom manoeuvres and attempts to compromise the voters' register.
The court ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, recognised an aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, as the authentic leader of the ADC. The judgment nullified all actions taken by the National Executive Committee led by Senator David Mark, declaring them unlawful, unconstitutional, and illegal. The ADC has appealed the judgment and warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against taking any action that could pre-empt the outcome of its appeal.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that heaven will not fall if Atiku does not appear on the ballot in the 2027 general election. Keyamo's comment comes as the National Executive Committee Chairmen Forum of the ADC loyal to Gombe threatened to embark on a nationwide protest against INEC if it fails to comply with the court judgment on the party's leadership crisis.
Atiku accused the APC of trying to destabilise the opposition party and alleged that it had removed the fuel subsidy. He also claimed that the APC was trying to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state. The APC has denied involvement in the ADC's internal crisis and urged it to resolve its problems.
The ADC has accused the APC of allegedly trying to destabilise the opposition party. The ruling party, however, denied involvement in the ADC's internal crisis, saying that the opposition party should focus on resolving its internal problems. The party's statement was in response to Atiku's allegations.
A coalition has described the court judgment as a dangerous escalation. The judgment has also raised concerns about the fate of the ADC in the 2027 general election. The party's appeal is currently before the Appeal Court, which will determine the authenticity of the party's leadership.
Atiku's declaration to contest in the 2027 election has set the stage for a potentially heated contest. The former Vice-President has vowed to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to choose their future. The 2027 general election is expected to be a major test of Nigeria's democratic institutions.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar vows to contest 2027 election despite court ruling
- Court ruling nullifies ADC's congresses and sacks National Executive Committee
- APC denies involvement in ADC's internal crisis
