Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), responded to the court judgment removing the Sen. David Mark-led party leadership, calling it “politically motivated.”
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, ADC-PCC campaign spokesperson Phrank Shaibu said the ruling was intended to “weaken the party.”
Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, noting it came just a day after party supporters welcomed him in Sokoto.
“The people of Sokoto came out in their thousands because they are hungry for change and believe in our promise to make life affordable again,” he said.
Atiku emphasised that his candidacy is national, not limited to Northern Nigeria, and noted that hunger and hardship affect citizens across all regions and ethnic groups.
“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.
“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 said.
The former vice-president also questioned the legal basis for reopening the leadership dispute, citing an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court.
He said that Liman had dismissed the challenge to the Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 and upheld objections on jurisdiction, standing and exhaustion of internal remedies.
“Why, after that judgment, was another case filed to reopen the same dispute? This is a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment,” he added.
Atiku stated that the party will appeal the judgment and urged supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding during this period.
He encouraged supporters not to let the judgment affect the momentum from Sokoto, noting that the campaign has already moved to Kebbi and will continue.
Atiku urged supporters to remain resolute, keep sharing the campaign message widely, and stay peaceful and focused.
