Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken the African Democratic Congress following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of Senator David Mark.
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, described Thursday’s ruling as a calculated move to undermine the party and frustrate his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came barely a day after a large crowd welcomed him to Sokoto during the launch of his campaign.
He alleged that the ruling was intended to diminish his political influence in Northern Nigeria and disrupt the growing support for his candidacy across the country.
“The timing of this judgment is no coincidence. It is part of a strategy to weaken my support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country,” he said.
Atiku, however, maintained that his presidential ambition was not limited to the northern region, arguing that Nigerians across the country were experiencing economic hardship and deserved better leadership.
“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North,” he stated.
The former Vice-President also faulted the legal process that culminated in the judgment, claiming that a previous ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same court had already upheld the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
He said the earlier judgment, delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, dismissed the challenge on grounds bordering on jurisdiction, locus standi and failure to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
Atiku questioned why another suit was instituted over the same leadership dispute despite the earlier decision.
“Why, after that judgment, was another case filed to reopen the same dispute? This is a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment,” he said.
He added that the party would challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Despite the development, Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that the judgment would not derail the party’s political activities.
He said the campaign train had moved to Kebbi State and would continue its nationwide mobilisation.
“Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” Atiku said.
He urged supporters to take the party’s message to communities across the country, adding, “There is no shaking.”
