“They Are Making Him More Popular” — Reactions trail nullification of Atiku, other ADC candidacies

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark, invalidating decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, has triggered reactions across the political space, with some Nigerians arguing that the ruling could inadvertently increase Atiku’s visibility and strengthen his political profile ahead of the election.

The court declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal, ruling in favour of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC for the North-East, who challenged the process through which the committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe had argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was entitled to assume the leadership of the ADC.

He consequently asked the court to nullify actions taken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff maintained that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

The court upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, effectively invalidating the caretaker committee’s authority and decisions taken under its leadership.

The ruling affects Atiku’s nomination as the ADC presidential candidate, as the primary election that produced him was organised under the leadership declared illegal by the court.

Atiku’s name had earlier been published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s presidential candidate. He had also selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

‘They Are Only Making Him Popular’

The judgment has generated debate among Nigerians, with some reactions suggesting that the legal setback may have the unintended effect of drawing more public attention to Atiku and the ADC.

Some observers argue that the ruling could turn the former vice-president into a focal point of renewed political discussion, particularly as the 2027 election approaches.

Others have questioned whether the development could disrupt the party’s preparations, considering that the ADC had already begun campaign activities and recently held a rally in Sokoto State.

The reactions reflect two competing interpretations of the judgment: while some see it as a serious challenge to the party’s electoral plans, others believe the controversy could increase public attention around Atiku’s candidacy.

However, the political impact of the ruling remains uncertain and will depend partly on the outcome of the ADC’s planned appeal and any further legal developments.

ADC Vows to Appeal

The ADC has said it will challenge the judgment at the appellate court.

The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was subsequently joined as an interested party in the case, said the verdict would be appealed.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed the ADC, INEC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

The ruling comes barely 24 hours after Atiku held a rally in Sokoto State as part of his campaign activities for the 2027 presidential election.

With the ADC set to pursue an appeal, the legal dispute is likely to remain a major issue in the party’s preparations for the poll.

For now, the judgment has placed the party’s leadership and presidential nomination under renewed scrutiny. Whether the development ultimately weakens the ADC’s campaign or increases public attention around Atiku remains to be seen.