ADC Challenges Court Ruling Nullifying Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Candidacy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its intention to appeal a recent Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party’s current leadership and invalidated the nomination of Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the upcoming January 2027 election. The party maintains that its campaign remains active despite the legal setback.

The Court Ruling and Its Implications

On Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment in a suit brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC. The court ruled against the leadership of the party headed by David Mark, effectively declaring the processes conducted under that administration—including the selection of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential flagbearer—as void. The court’s decision centers on the legitimacy of the leadership transition that brought the Mark-led executive into power.

Osunbor Alleges Political Motivation

Oserheimen Osunbor, a former Governor of Edo State and the current National Legal Adviser for the ADC, has characterized the legal challenge as a strategic move by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osunbor alleged that the APC is attempting to suppress competition.

“I have said that repeatedly, they (APC) are afraid of any strong candidate running against President Bola Tinubu in the January presidential election,” Osunbor stated.

Osunbor further asserted that the party remains confident in its legal position, suggesting that the judgment will not withstand scrutiny at the appellate level. He emphasized that the party’s campaign activities are continuing without interruption, framing the legal battle as an attempt to undermine the democratic process.

The Path Forward for the ADC

The ADC has officially rejected the Federal High Court’s findings. According to Osunbor, the party is preparing to file an appeal to ensure the judgment is set aside by a higher court. He expressed optimism regarding the future of Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, citing public support as a key factor in the party’s resilience.

While the ADC remains defiant, the legal status of its presidential ticket currently hangs in the balance pending the outcome of the appellate process. As of this report, the APC has not issued a formal response to the specific allegations made by Osunbor regarding their involvement or motivation behind the litigation.

Conclusion

The legal dispute within the ADC highlights the high stakes surrounding the January 2027 presidential election. As the party moves to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision, the focus shifts to the Court of Appeal, where the validity of the party’s leadership and its presidential nomination will be tested once more. The outcome of this appeal will be critical in determining whether Atiku Abubakar remains on the ballot for the ADC.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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