Atiku Reacts To Court Judgement Sacking Him As ADC Presidential Candidate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using a recent Federal High Court judgment on the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to frustrate his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku alleged that the court ruling was part of a political move to weaken his support in Northern Nigeria and disrupt the growing influence of the ADC across the country.

The former vice president made the allegation in a statement released on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

He noted that the judgment came barely a day after thousands of supporters welcomed him to Sokoto State during the launch of the party’s campaign activities.

According to Atiku, the large turnout at the event showed that many Nigerians were unhappy with the economic situation and were looking forward to a change in leadership.

He maintained that the enthusiasm displayed by supporters in Sokoto was an indication of the growing acceptance of his political message, adding that the campaign would continue to other parts of the country, including Kebbi State.

Atiku also dismissed suggestions that his presidential ambition was mainly focused on Northern Nigeria, insisting that his plans addressed the challenges facing Nigerians regardless of their geographical location.

He argued that the rising cost of living, hunger and economic hardship were affecting people across the country, making the need for a change in government a national concern.

The former vice president accused the APC of attempting to slow down his campaign because of its growing popularity outside his traditional political base.

He, however, insisted that his support was not limited to the North, expressing confidence that the ADC would attract more supporters as its campaign progresses.

On the legal dispute surrounding the ADC leadership, Atiku questioned the decision to reopen the matter despite an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He referred to Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, in which the court had dismissed the challenge against the leadership of the party led by former Senate President David Mark.

Atiku explained that the earlier court decision upheld objections relating to jurisdiction, the legal standing of the parties involved and the failure to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution process.

He also maintained that the substantive issues in the case had been decided in favour of the defendants.

The former vice president questioned why another case was brought to revisit the same leadership disagreement after the earlier judgment, describing the development as an attempt to go around an existing court decision.

He disclosed that the party would challenge the latest development at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence in its legal position.

Despite the court ruling, Atiku urged ADC members and supporters not to resort to violence or any action capable of disturbing public peace.

He assured party faithful that the development would not stop the party’s mobilisation or its efforts to reach voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku further stated that the ADC would continue with its Affordable Life campaign, which he said was designed to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and make basic necessities more affordable.