Atiku Abubakar vows to appeal Federal High Court ruling invalidating his presidential nomination

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he intends to challenge a recent Federal High Court judgment that invalidated his nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling, delivered in Abuja, also nullified the leadership of the party under former Senate President David Mark. Atiku’s campaign council stated that legal representatives are drafting an application to halt the enforcement of the ruling and intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.

The judgment was issued by Justice Peter Lifu in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025. Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East, initiated the lawsuit to contest David Mark’s takeover as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola’s appointment as secretary, the latter being a former Osun State Governor. Gombe argued that he was entitled to succeed the former chairman, Ralph Nwosu. The court’s order invalidated the Mark-led leadership and all decisions taken under its authority, including the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Background

Atiku Abubakar’s legal team has disputed the legal basis of the ruling, arguing that it conflicts with an earlier decision by the same court. They cited a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman on 2 July in a separate suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, brought by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide. Justice Liman rejected the suit, which also questioned the procedures used by Mark and Aregbesola to take office, citing deficiencies in jurisdiction, standing, and the lack of prior resolution through internal party channels.

Atiku’s camp maintains that the earlier ruling resolved the substantive issues in favour of the Mark-led leadership. Consequently, they view the subsequent filing by Gombe as a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment. However, it is noted that the two cases involved different claimants, and the complete enrolled orders of both judgments have not been independently examined to determine if their specific orders directly conflict.

Why it matters

The legal dispute has significant implications for the 2027 presidential race, as it directly affects the validity of the ADC’s ticket. Atiku Abubakar rejected the ruling, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using court proceedings to derail his campaign. According to a statement released by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku characterized the timing of the ruling as a tactic designed to diminish his backing in the North. He emphasized that his candidacy belongs to all Nigerians, distinguishing his Northern roots from a regional-only political project.

Despite the legal challenges, Atiku affirmed that his campaign would continue. He interpreted the turnout at his recent rally in Sokoto as a sign of public support for the party’s "Affordable Life" campaign, which promises to make living costs more affordable. The campaign council stated that activities would proceed in Kebbi State and other parts of the country, with a launch event in Kebbi scheduled to follow the Sokoto event.

What happens next

The immediate next step is for Atiku’s legal team to file for a stay of execution of the Federal High Court’s order. Following this, the case is expected to be challenged at the Court of Appeal. The outcome of these legal proceedings will determine whether the ADC’s current leadership and candidate nominations remain valid for the upcoming 2027 elections.