The presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has come under renewed scrutiny following a court ruling that nullified congresses and a national convention conducted by the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld an earlier decision restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses organised by committees appointed by the Mark-led caretaker leadership.
In a split decision, the appellate court affirmed that the party’s elected state executive committees retained their authority and that the caretaker leadership could not interfere with their tenure and functions.
The court also held that the congresses and national convention organised by the Mark-led faction were nullities because they were conducted in defiance of an existing court order. It subsequently awarded ₦10 million in costs against the ADC.
The ruling has raised questions about the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and the possible implications for political figures who emerged through processes organised by the affected leadership.
Atiku, however, rejected interpretations suggesting that the judgment automatically invalidated his presidential candidacy.
Through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice-president maintained that the dispute concerned the party’s internal congresses and leadership structures, rather than the statutory primaries through which candidates were nominated.
The ADC also insisted that the judgment did not invalidate candidates produced through its direct primaries and indicated its intention to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.
The legal battle comes as opposition politicians seek to consolidate their positions under the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party emerging as a potential platform for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The final implications for Atiku’s presidential ambition will depend on further judicial proceedings and the applicable electoral requirements. The ruling should therefore not be interpreted, on its own, as a final court order disqualifying him from contesting the presidency.
