Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to challenge the Federal High Court ruling that removed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the decision as an attempt to weaken his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate, said his legal team would appeal the judgement delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The ruling followed a suit filed by the party’s former acting National Chairman, Abdullahi Gombe, seeking the removal of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The court’s decision also invalidated decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including Atiku’s nomination as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Reacting to the judgement, Atiku criticised the ruling and recalled that the case had previously been dismissed on the grounds that it concerned the internal affairs of a political party, which he said fell outside the court’s jurisdiction.
He insisted that his legal team would challenge the latest decision at the Court of Appeal and urged party members and supporters to remain calm.
In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the judgement as a calculated attempt to undermine the party and frustrate his presidential ambition.
He also questioned the timing of the ruling, noting that it came barely a day after a large crowd gathered in Sokoto to welcome him during his campaign visit and the launch of the ADC campaign.
Atiku, who was in Kebbi State in north-western Nigeria at the time of his reaction, maintained that the party would pursue all available legal options to challenge the decision.
The ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s leadership structure and its preparations for the 2027 general election.
