The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 Nigerian presidential elections. The court invalidated the election of Atiku as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s presidential candidate, citing procedural irregularities. The ruling came in a case involving Senator David Mark, who led the ADC’s executive committee before being removed from power.
The court’s decision nullified all actions taken by Mark’s leadership, including the nomination of Atiku. The ruling has sparked reactions from within the ADC. Bala, the factional chair of the party, praised the court for basing its judgment on constitutional and statutory provisions rather than political considerations.
The decision has weakened the opposition’s challenge to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections. Legal battles within the ADC have prolonged, threatening to further destabilize the party’s campaign. Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku’s running mate, previously stated that President Bola Tinubu’s policies would continue if Atiku were elected.
The court’s ruling follows a series of internal conflicts within the ADC. Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku, mocked the party and its leadership after the court’s decision. The ruling has also been interpreted as a potential turning point in Nigerian politics, with some analysts suggesting it could reshape the 2027 electoral landscape.
The case highlights the ongoing legal and political tensions within the ADC, which has been a key opposition party. The invalidation of Atiku’s candidacy marks a significant setback for the opposition ahead of the upcoming elections.
