Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised a court judgment on the party’s leadership saying the ruling could affect its political activities and his presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on Phrank Shaibu’s X handle the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council described the judgment as an attempt to weaken the ADC and frustrate his candidacy.
He questioned the timing of the judgment which came barely a day after his campaign activities in Sokoto attracted a large crowd.
He suggested the development could be linked to the opposition party’s growing political activities though he did not provide evidence of any involvement by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku said the reception in Sokoto reflected public concerns about the economy and the desire for an alternative approach to addressing the rising cost of living.
‘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.
He maintained that his presidential ambition was not limited to Northern Nigeria arguing that economic hardship affected citizens across regional and religious 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. Nigerians across the country are suffering under this government and they deserve a leader with a credible plan to make life affordable again’ he stated.
Atiku further alleged that the court ruling could weaken his support in the North and disrupt the ADC’s campaign which he said was gaining momentum across the country.
He however insisted that the party would not be discouraged by the development saying its political activities would continue in different parts of the country.
On the legal issues Atiku cited an earlier Federal High Court decision in Abuja involving the ADC leadership dispute.
He said Justice Musa Liman had previously dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to him the court upheld the defendants’ objections on jurisdiction standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies while resolving the substantive issues in their favour.
He questioned why another case was subsequently instituted to reopen the dispute describing it as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment.
‘We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal’ he said.
The controversy comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections with leadership disputes and internal party disagreements forming part of the legal and political challenges confronting some opposition platforms.
Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm peaceful and law-abiding insisting that the development would not stop the party’s campaign activities.
He said the campaign train had moved to Kebbi State and would continue its engagements across the country.
‘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.
He also urged supporters to take the party’s message to communities through house-to-house and door-to-door engagements while remaining focused and peaceful.