The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment nullifying former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as its presidential candidate, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken the opposition.
The party also warned that efforts to undermine political competition could threaten Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.
The ADC stated this in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which reportedly nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the party and Atiku’s candidacy.
The party described the timing of the judgment, coming barely a day after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, as suspicious, alleging that it was intended to frustrate its growing political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It argued that the dispute went beyond the political interests of Atiku and Mark, insisting that the ruling could affect thousands of its candidates seeking elective positions across the country.
The ADC also questioned the legal basis of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the same court on July 2, 2026, which it said affirmed the legitimacy of the Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize it.
According to the party, a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot overturn or review the decision of another court of equal jurisdiction.
The ADC said it would challenge the latest judgment through available legal channels but was awaiting its Certified True Copy to establish its exact terms and implications.
It further accused the APC of using judicial processes to frustrate opposition parties, warning the ruling party against what it described as attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Do not play with fires you cannot control,” the party warned, insisting that Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their leaders in 2027.
The ADC also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to test their popularity through a free and fair election rather than undermine political competition.
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