ADC Chieftain Criticizes Court Ruling Against Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 Candidacy

A prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Imasuagbon, has formally expressed his opposition to a recent Federal High Court ruling that nullified the internal party procedures used to nominate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential race. The reaction follows a judicial decision that has created uncertainty regarding the party’s official candidate for the upcoming election.

The Nature of the Judicial Ruling

According to a report by Channels Television, the Federal High Court issued a judgment that voided the process through which the ADC selected Atiku Abubakar. While the specifics of the legal arguments leading to the court’s decision were not detailed in the initial report, the ruling effectively challenges the legitimacy of the party’s internal primary or selection mechanism.

Imasuagbon’s Response

Speaking during an appearance on the television program Politics Today, Kenneth Imasuagbon characterized the court’s decision as both “despicable” and “unacceptable.” He argued that the ruling stands in direct opposition to the foundational principles of the Nigerian Constitution. Imasuagbon, who serves as a chieftain for the ADC, emphasized that the party views the judicial intervention as an overreach that interferes with internal democratic processes.

Confidence in Future Ballot Access

Despite the legal setback, Imasuagbon maintained an optimistic outlook regarding the former Vice President’s political future. He stated firmly that he believes Atiku Abubakar will successfully navigate the legal challenges and ultimately appear on the ballot for the 2027 presidential election. Furthermore, he expressed confidence in the candidate’s electoral prospects, asserting that Atiku would emerge victorious should he remain in the race.

Context and Current Status

The legal environment surrounding party primaries in Nigeria often involves complex litigation regarding compliance with both the Electoral Act and individual party constitutions. As of the time of reporting, there is no information available regarding whether the ADC intends to file an appeal against the Federal High Court’s judgment or if the party will seek an alternative method to ratify its candidate. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await further legal developments or potential interventions from higher courts.

Conclusion

The condemnation by Kenneth Imasuagbon highlights the growing tension between judicial oversight and internal party autonomy in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. While the court has cast doubt on the procedural validity of Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, the ADC remains committed to its chosen candidate, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle to determine who will ultimately represent the party on the national ballot.

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