Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using a court judgment on the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to undermine his political influence in Northern Nigeria and frustrate his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegation on Thursday, November 5, following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidating decisions taken under its leadership.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after a large crowd welcomed him at the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.
He alleged that the ruling was intended to disrupt the momentum of his campaign and prevent the opposition party from expanding its influence beyond its traditional support base.
Atiku Insists His Appeal Goes Beyond Northern Nigeria
The former vice-president maintained that his presidential ambition was not restricted to Northern Nigeria, arguing that economic hardship and the rising cost of living were affecting citizens across the country.
He said the reception he received in Sokoto reflected Nigerians’ desire for political change and their support for his campaign’s promise to make life more affordable.
Atiku added that the party’s mobilisation would continue in Kebbi State and other parts of the country despite the legal setback.
He also urged supporters not to interpret the court ruling as the end of the ADC’s political prospects, insisting that the party remained determined to present its message to voters nationwide.
Former Vice-President Questions Court Judgment
Atiku also challenged the legal basis of the latest ruling, referring to an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the ADC leadership dispute.
According to him, the earlier case had been dismissed after the court upheld objections relating to jurisdiction, legal standing and the failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
He questioned why another suit had been brought to reopen the dispute, describing the latest development as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment.
Atiku said the decision would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.
Court Ruling Puts ADC Leadership in Fresh Legal Battle
The judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the ADC, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
The court ruled against the Mark-led leadership and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
The decision also affected the party’s nominations, including the process that produced Atiku as its presidential candidate for 2027.
The ADC has indicated that it will pursue legal remedies against the ruling.
Meanwhile, Atiku urged party members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, maintaining that the campaign would continue despite the legal dispute.
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