Atiku Reacts To Court Ruling Nullifying ADC Presidential Candidacy

Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, alleged that the ruling was deliberately timed to weaken the party and frustrate his presidential ambition.

The reaction followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s executives. The court also declared invalid the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after the ADC held a presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State. He argued that the large turnout at the event demonstrated support for his campaign and its promise to make life more affordable for Nigerians.

He maintained that his presidential ambition was not restricted to Northern Nigeria, insisting that the economic challenges confronting the country affected citizens across regional and ethnic boundaries.

“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians,” he said, adding that the movement would continue as the campaign progressed to other states, including Kebbi.

The former Vice President also questioned the legal basis of the ruling, citing an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court in a separate suit concerning the ADC leadership.

According to Atiku, the earlier judgment had dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership on grounds including jurisdiction, standing and failure to exhaust the party’s internal dispute-resolution procedures.

He described the latest decision as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment and disclosed that the party would challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that the court ruling would not stop the party's campaign activities. He said the campaign train had already moved to Kebbi State and would continue its engagements across the country.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman, who challenged the process through which the David Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party. The court upheld his claims and invalidated actions taken by the disputed leadership, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku.

The ADC has also rejected the ruling, describing it as legally indefensible and vowing to pursue all available legal options. The party has called on its members to remain peaceful while the legal process continues