The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains its presidential candidate for the January 16, 2027 election, rejecting a recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified his nomination. The party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) stated that the law supports Atiku’s candidacy and vowed to defend his position at the Court of Appeal.
The PCC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to eliminate political opponents through judicial manoeuvres. In a statement issued by Director of Strategic Communication Phrank Shaibu, the council declared that Nigerians’ right to choose their leaders must not be undermined by such actions.
“Atiku remains our candidate. The law is on his side, not sentiment. We will defend that position before the Court of Appeal and keep the record before Nigerians. Their right to choose their president must never become a bargaining chip in anyone’s struggle for power,” the council declared.
The ADC has demanded the immediate release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who last week removed the National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President David Mark. The council alleged that the delay in releasing the official copy is frustrating its efforts to challenge the decision and obstructing the appellate court’s access to a complete record.
Additionally, the party questioned the circumstances surrounding the reassignment of the case, demanding an explanation for why Justice Nwite, who had commenced hearing the matter, did not conclude it. The ADC cited an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman, which dismissed a challenge to the party’s leadership for lack of merit and locus standi, and affirmed the legality of the leadership handover and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) authority to recognise the party’s officials.
The council challenged the APC to confront Atiku at the ballot box rather than resorting to litigation to weaken the opposition. While maintaining respect for the judiciary’s authority, the ADC stated it would exhaust all available legal remedies to defend Atiku’s nomination and the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
