Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised a Federal High Court judgment that removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the decision as an attempt to undermine his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Titiansloaded reports that the ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, invalidated the actions of the party’s caretaker committee, including the process that produced Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku alleged that the judgment was part of a wider effort to weaken the party and disrupt his campaign.
He also questioned the timing of the decision, noting that it came a day after a large crowd gathered in Sokoto to welcome him and attend the launch of the ADC campaign.
Atiku described the turnout as evidence of growing support for his campaign, insisting that his political appeal extended beyond Northern Nigeria.
He said the hardship facing Nigerians cut across regional boundaries and argued that his campaign was focused on addressing the rising cost of living.
“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,” he said.
The former vice-president further alleged that the ruling reflected concern within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s camp over the growing momentum of his candidacy.
Atiku also raised legal objections to the judgment, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same court.
According to him, Justice Liman had dismissed a challenge to the Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, upholding objections relating to jurisdiction, standing and the failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
Atiku questioned why another case had been brought to revisit the leadership dispute, describing it as an attempt to bypass an existing judgment.
He said the ADC would challenge the latest decision at the Court of Appeal.
Despite the court ruling, Atiku urged party members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the campaign would continue as planned.
He said the campaign train had moved to Kebbi after its Sokoto outing and would proceed to other parts of the country.
Atiku maintained that the ADC’s “Affordable Life” campaign would continue to focus on easing the cost-of-living crisis and improving the lives of Nigerians.
