The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed a court ruling that voided Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination, with lawyers asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold off on implementing the judgement. The party filed a notice of appeal and applied for a stay, citing a same-day receipt stamp from the INEC chairman's office. This development comes as the party's leadership faces a challenge from Nafiu Bala Gombe, who brought the suit.
In a related development, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State reaffirmed the All Progressives Grand Alliance's (APGA) support for President Bola Tinubu at the party's national campaign launch in Awka. APGA will campaign for Mr Tinubu in the presidential race and seek votes for its own legislative candidates. The party presented flags to 44 legislative candidates, including three for the Senate and 11 for the House of Representatives.
The court ruling that voided Mr Abubakar's nomination was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who directed INEC to disregard decisions of the party's 99th National Executive Committee meeting and subsequent acts under that leadership. The order covered governorship and legislative nominations as well as the presidential ticket. Mr Gombe argued that the party's constitution entitled him to succeed Ralph Nwosu as chairman.
The ADC has threatened nationwide protests if INEC fails to act on the court's ruling, with Kennedy Odion, secretary of the ADC National Executive Committee Chairmen Forum, asking INEC to reopen its nominations portal so the party could submit names after any fresh primaries. INEC has disowned a poster claiming it had reaffirmed David Mark's leadership, saying the poster used its logo and a photograph of National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna without authorisation.
Atiku Abubakar has vowed to continue his campaign, focusing on food prices, fuel costs, and insecurity. He accused the Tinubu administration of using the courts to limit electoral competition, although no evidence was provided. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any role in the case, with national publicity secretary Felix Morka urging the ADC to pursue an appeal.
President Tinubu has received support from various quarters, including a pledge of two million votes from Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State if the federal government facilitates the Ibom Deep Seaport. Mr Tinubu announced his approval for the project, which had already been approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2020. The president also targeted Peter Obi, saying he had failed to tackle erosion as governor of Anambra.
As the 2027 elections approach, various parties are navigating court rulings and alliances. APGA's national chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, had in March said the party's National Working Committee supported the alignment with APC, awaiting a convention. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027.
Key points
- ADC appeals court ruling voiding Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination
- APGA backs President Bola Tinubu for 2027 elections
- INEC faces pressure to act on court rulings and party alliances
