A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the processes that led to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the January 2027 general election.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 5, also invalidated the emergence of former Senate President David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and other party officials as national officers of the ADC.
The case followed a legal challenge by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the party, who questioned the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure and the process through which its leadership emerged.
In its ruling, the court held that the processes leading to the formation of the party’s leadership were not properly conducted. Consequently, the court set aside the party’s leadership arrangements and Atiku’s presidential nomination.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC rejected the decision, describing it as politically motivated. The party maintained that the ruling could undermine opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election and confirmed its intention to appeal.
Atiku Abubakar also criticised the judgment, suggesting that it was an attempt to weaken his political influence and disrupt his presidential ambition.
The development has introduced fresh uncertainty into Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the opposition, as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, was expected to be one of the major challengers to President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office.
The outcome of the planned appeal could determine the next direction of the ADC’s leadership and its presidential campaign.
For now, the legal battle has placed the party’s preparations for the 2027 election under fresh pressure.
