The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, illegal and has nullified all actions taken by the committee, including the nomination of former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, effectively disbanded the committee that had organised the party’s presidential primary.
The judgment has sparked a wave of reactions. The ADC has announced that it will challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal. Atiku, through his Director of Strategic Communication Phrank Shaibu, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the ruling to weaken the opposition. “The timing of this judgment is no coincidence. It is part of a strategy to weaken my support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country,” Atiku said. Other political parties warned that actions undermining democratic competition could threaten the electoral process.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo hailed the ruling as “justice well served,” while NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi urged the judiciary to protect democracy and ensure certainty in the electoral process. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) accused the APC of using the judiciary to impose a one‑party state, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) expressed concern over attempts to weaken political alternatives ahead of the polls.
The court’s decision came a day after Atiku held a campaign rally in Sokoto State, where thousands of supporters welcomed him as he began mobilising for the January 16, 2027 presidential election. Atiku had been named by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
