Atiku rejects court judgment, vows to continue 2027 campaign

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Federal High Court judgment nullifying his emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, vowing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal and continue his campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku’s presidential campaign council said its lawyers were preparing to seek a stay of execution of the judgment, which also invalidated the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to use court proceedings to frustrate his presidential ambition.

“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,” he said.

Despite the legal setback, Atiku said his campaign would proceed with its planned activities, including a rally in Kebbi State following Wednesday’s campaign launch in Sokoto.

He described the turnout at the Sokoto rally as evidence of growing support for his campaign’s promise to address the rising cost of living.

The former Vice-President also dismissed suggestions that his presidential ambition was limited to Northern Nigeria, insisting that his candidacy was national in outlook.

“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.