By James
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to frustrate his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegation while reacting to Thursday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led faction of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by its executives.
Describing the ruling as politically motivated, the former vice president alleged that its timing was calculated to disrupt the growing momentum of his campaign, particularly after what he described as an impressive reception during his campaign launch in Sokoto State on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku insisted that neither the judgment nor the ensuing controversy would deter him from pursuing his presidential ambition.
He maintained that the enthusiastic turnout in Sokoto reflected Nigerians’ growing desire for a change of government and renewed hope of economic relief.
According to him, the support for his candidacy extends beyond Northern Nigeria, stressing that the country’s economic difficulties have created a shared national concern that transcends ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries.
“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North,” he said.
Atiku further alleged that the judgment was part of a wider political strategy to weaken his support base in the North and undermine the ADC’s emergence as a formidable opposition platform.
He, however, warned that those behind the alleged plot had underestimated the national appeal of his campaign, adding that the political movement would continue its mobilisation across the country.
The former vice president also questioned the legal foundation of the ruling, arguing that the dispute over the ADC leadership had previously been considered and determined by another judge of the same court.
He cited Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, in which Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reportedly dismissed an earlier challenge to the David Mark-led leadership after upholding objections relating to jurisdiction, locus standi and failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
Atiku consequently questioned the propriety of instituting another action to reopen what he considered a matter already resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This is a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment. We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal,” he declared.
He called on ADC members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and committed to the party’s political objectives, assuring them that the campaign would proceed despite the legal setback.
“Our journey to rescue Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC government is a long one. Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
The controversy followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee’s emergence and leadership of the ADC unlawful.
The court also invalidated actions taken by the affected executives, including the process that culminated in Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
The judgment arose from a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.
Before the ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had listed Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate, while former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, had been named as his running mate.
The court decision has therefore thrown fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, placing the party’s leadership, presidential ticket and electoral prospects under renewed legal scrutiny.
