Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine his 2027 presidential ambition following a Federal High Court judgment ordering the removal of the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, described Thursday’s ruling as a calculated move to weaken the opposition party and frustrate his bid for the presidency.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the removal of the party’s leadership led by Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by its caretaker committee, including Atiku’s nomination as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Reacting through a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came barely a day after a large crowd welcomed him in Sokoto during the launch of the party’s campaign.
He described the ruling as a sign of panic within the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s camp, insisting that it would not stop his campaign.
“The people of Sokoto came out in their thousands because they are hungry for change and believe in our promise to make life affordable again. What we witnessed in Sokoto is only the beginning. The people of Kebbi will have their say, and so will Nigerians across the country as our campaign moves forward,” he said.
Atiku maintained that his presidential ambition was not limited to northern Nigeria, arguing that the economic challenges facing the country had affected citizens across regional 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. Hunger and hardship do not respect regional boundaries,” he stated.
He further alleged that the judgment was part of a strategy to weaken his political support in the North and disrupt a campaign whose message, according to him, was gaining acceptance nationwide.
“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,” Atiku said.
The former vice president also raised concerns about the legal basis of the ruling, referring to an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the same court, which dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership.
According to him, the earlier decision in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 upheld objections relating to jurisdiction, legal standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
Questioning why another case was instituted over the same dispute, Atiku said, “This is a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment. We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal.”
He urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the party’s campaign would continue despite the court decision.
“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.
Atiku added that the campaign train had moved to Kebbi State and would continue its activities across the country, urging supporters to remain focused.
“There is no shaking,” he declared.
