ADC Lawyer Says Court Ruling Did Not Expressly Void Atiku’s Presidential Candidacy

A lawyer for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disputed reports that a Federal High Court ruling expressly disqualified Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the court’s orders addressed the party’s leadership and the actions it took.

Kalu Kalu gave the party’s interpretation on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, 11 November, after the certified copy of the judgment became available.

He acknowledged that the court declared actions taken by the David Mark-led leadership invalid, but said the judgment contained no express order voiding Atiku’s candidacy or those of the party’s other candidates.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on 5 November in a suit brought by former ADC deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The ruling’s effect on the presidential ticket is disputed because the Mark-led committee organised the primary that produced Atiku.

The ADC said on 6 November that it had appealed and applied for a stay of execution.

The lawyer’s comments explain the position the ADC is taking as it challenges the ruling. Whether Atiku will appear on the ballot remains unresolved in the records and reports reviewed.