UPDATED: Court Nullifies Atiku's Candidacy, Sacks All ADC Candidates, Party Leadership
A major setback has befallen the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) party as a Nigerian court nullified the candidacy of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and sacked all the party's nominated candidates for the upcoming general elections.
If the decision is upheld by higher courts on appeal, the ADC party, which has emerged as a significant challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will be barred from fielding candidates in the elections.
Background: ADC as a Major Challenger
- The ADC, founded in 2018, has gained significant popularity in Nigeria.
- The party, led by former Kaduna State Governor, Mudashiru Hussey, has been gaining ground against the APC.
- Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, is the party's presidential candidate.
Events Leading to Judgement
The court decision comes following a petition filed by the APC challenging the eligibility of Atiku and other ADC candidates.
The petition claimed that Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria, and other ADC nominees failed to meet the required criteria for presidential and legislative elections.
Atiku's Statement
"We have received the judgement and are currently assessing it. We will make a public statement once our legal team has evaluated the ruling," Atiku Abubakar said in a statement.
ADC Leaders React
- Former Kaduna State Governor, Mudashiru Hussey, reacted with disappointment.
- Hussey stated that the decision is a setback for democracy in Nigeria.
"This judgement is a setback for democracy in Nigeria. We will appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal and subsequently the Supreme Court," Hussey said.
APC's Response
"We welcome the judgement as it upholds the rule of law and the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria," said APC spokesman, Festus Kaduna.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson, Festus Kaduna, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it upholds the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria.
Implications for the Election
- The ruling could potentially impact the upcoming general elections in Nigeria.
- The ADC's absence from the elections would give the APC a significant advantage in the competition.
The ruling could have a significant impact on the upcoming general elections in Nigeria.
If upheld, the All Progressives Congress (APC) would likely gain a significant advantage in the competition.
Majority of Nigerians Vote for Change
- The ruling could potentially affect the political landscape in Nigeria.
- The ruling comes amidst a growing demand for change among Nigerian voters.
This decision may have implications for the political landscape in Nigeria, particularly as it comes at a time when there is a growing demand for change among Nigerian voters.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>