Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and frustrate his presidential ambition following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark.
Atiku described Thursday’s judgment as a calculated move, questioning its timing, particularly as it came barely a day after a large crowd gathered in Sokoto for his campaign activities and the launch of the ADC campaign.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the turnout in Sokoto demonstrated growing public support for his political movement and its promise to address the country’s economic challenges.
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According to him, Nigerians are looking for a government that can make life affordable again, insisting that the hardship facing citizens cuts across regional and ethnic boundaries.
Atiku maintained that although his roots are in Northern Nigeria, his presidential ambition is national and not restricted to any particular region.
He also alleged that the court judgment was intended to weaken his political support in the North and disrupt the growing momentum of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The ruling party’s greatest miscalculation is to assume that my support ends in the North,” Atiku said, adding that the support witnessed in Sokoto would also be reflected in Kebbi and other parts of the country.
Atiku Questions Legal Basis of Court Judgment
The former vice president also raised concerns about the legal circumstances surrounding the judgment, particularly because of an earlier ruling involving the ADC leadership dispute.
Atiku referred to Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, which he said had previously been decided by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court.
According to him, the earlier court ruling dismissed the challenge against the David Mark-led leadership after upholding objections relating to jurisdiction, legal standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
He questioned why another case was subsequently filed to reopen the same dispute, describing the development as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment.
Atiku said the ADC would challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence that the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
ADC Campaign to Continue Despite Court Ruling
Despite the legal setback, Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.
He insisted that the court judgment would not stop the party’s campaign activities, noting that the campaign train was already moving to Kebbi State following its activities in Sokoto.
Atiku also reaffirmed his commitment to the ADC’s Affordable Life campaign, which he said was designed to address the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
He urged supporters not to allow the development to distract them from the party’s political objectives, maintaining that the movement to rescue Nigeria from economic hardship would continue.
The court judgment has introduced another legal and political challenge for the ADC as preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
