2027: Atiku Reveals Next Move After Appeal Court Upholds Order Stopping INEC from Recognising ADC State Chairmen

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has outlined his next legal steps after a major Court of Appeal ruling concerning the party's internal structure.

In a split 2-1 decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal filed by the ADC. The court upheld a prior Federal High Court judgment that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or participating in state congresses organized by committees appointed under the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership.

Justice Okon Abang, supported by Justice Donatus Okorowo, delivered the majority judgment, agreeing that the trial court was correct to assume jurisdiction over the matter. Seven ADC state chairmen had successfully challenged the dissolution of their executives, arguing that their tenures had not yet lapsed and that the David Mark-led committee had breached the ADC constitution. Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, holding that the court lacked jurisdiction over the internal affairs of a political party.

"Those celebrating today should celebrate with caution... The judgment being celebrated relates to the conduct of state congresses and the tenure of state executive committees. It does not, from the facts available, amount to a judicial nullification of the ADC's primary elections conducted under the Electoral Act."
"Atiku Abubakar, via spokesperson Phrank Shaibu"

Despite the internal administrative struggles, both Atiku's camp and the David Mark-led leadership maintain that the ADC will remain firmly on the ballot for the 2027 presidential election.

How do you think this leadership tussle and the upcoming Supreme Court appeal will affect Atiku Abubakar’s presidential run under the ADC in 2027? Drop your comments below!

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