…..Ex-VP alleges plot to derail his 2027 ambition, vows to challenge judgment at Appeal Court
By: ABC News Nigeria
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fresh attack following a court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the development reflects growing panic over the party’s rising political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded reaction titled “The Panic Is Real,” Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly attempting to destabilise the ADC, weaken its growing support base in Northern Nigeria and frustrate his presidential ambition.
The ADC presidential candidate said the timing of Thursday’s Federal High Court judgment was particularly suspicious, coming barely 24 hours after thousands of supporters thronged Sokoto to welcome him and participate in the party’s campaign launch.
He described the massive turnout as evidence that Nigerians were increasingly yearning for political change, insisting that the Sokoto reception was only the beginning of a nationwide movement.
“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,” Atiku declared.
The former vice-president, however, warned against interpreting his political strength through regional considerations, insisting that his presidential ambition was national rather than Northern-centred.
“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 said.
Atiku argued that the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of living, had created a common demand for leadership capable of restoring affordability and improving living conditions.
He maintained that the APC’s alleged calculation to contain his political influence in the North would fail, predicting stronger support for the ADC as its campaign train moves through Kebbi and other states.
Atiku Heads for Appeal Court
Beyond the political accusations, Atiku raised questions over the legal foundation of the latest judgment, insisting that the dispute surrounding the David Mark-led ADC leadership had previously been addressed by another judge of the same Federal High Court.
He cited the judgment of Justice Musa Liman in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, which dismissed the challenge to the party leadership after upholding objections bordering on jurisdiction, standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies.
Questioning why another case was instituted to reopen the same dispute, Atiku described the development as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment.
He vowed that the party would not allow the matter to rest, disclosing plans to challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal.
‘Our Campaign Cannot Be Stopped’
Despite the legal battle, Atiku insisted that the ADC’s nationwide mobilisation would continue without interruption, declaring that the party would not surrender its political momentum.
He urged supporters to remain calm, peaceful and committed to the campaign, warning against allowing the court decision to distract them from the party’s broader mission.
According to him, the campaign train had already moved to Kebbi State and would continue across the country as the ADC intensifies its grassroots mobilisation.
“Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
Atiku called on supporters to take the party’s message from house to house and door to door, expressing confidence that the latest development would not derail the ADC’s ambition to challenge the APC in 2027.
“There is no shaking,” he declared.
The statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in Birnin Kebbi on November 5, 2026.
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