Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and current presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced his intention to challenge a recent appellate court decision in the Supreme Court. The court recently affirmed an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging certain state congresses held by the party.
Speaking through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar clarified that this judicial outcome does not invalidate the ADC primaries that resulted in his selection as the party’s candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The appellate ruling, delivered by Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo, supported the Federal High Court’s stance regarding the internal management of ADC state executives, noting that the removal of chairmen prior to the end of their terms violated the party’s constitution.
Abubakar dismissed claims that the ruling effectively ends his presidential candidacy, labeling such narratives as political disinformation aimed at discouraging his base. He emphasized the legal distinction between internal party executive elections and statutory candidate nomination processes. The former Vice President expressed his firm belief that these are separate legal matters and that the court’s decision does not nullify the primary elections conducted according to the Electoral Act.
Assuring his supporters and the public, Abubakar stated that his legal representatives are already preparing to contest the interpretation of this ruling at the Supreme Court. He encouraged his party members to maintain focus and calm, reiterating that his campaign remains committed to its goals for the 2027 election cycle despite these ongoing legal challenges.
