Nigerian Court Nullifies Atiku Abubakar's Presidential Candidacy Ahead of 2027 Election

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar's nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the January 2027 General Election, dealing a major setback to the opposition's efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, also invalidated the leadership of the ADC national executive committee headed by former Senate President David Mark.

The court found that the Mark-led caretaker committee was unlawfully constituted and lacked the authority to conduct party activities, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer.

The judgment followed a legal challenge filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, who disputed the process through which David Mark and his allies assumed control of the party.

Court Upholds Challenge to ADC Leadership

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

He challenged the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership, arguing that its emergence violated the party's constitution and relevant provisions of Nigeria's Electoral Act.

The court upheld his claims and set aside the actions taken by the disputed party leadership, including the processes that resulted in Atiku's presidential nomination.

The ruling also affects other ADC candidates nominated under the disputed leadership for the 2027 elections.

The court further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions made during the party's National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

ADC Vows to Challenge the Judgment

The African Democratic Congress has rejected the ruling, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi accused the judiciary of being used to interfere with opposition activities and undermine democratic competition.

The party maintained that it would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal, insisting that it would not abandon its efforts to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform.

The ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the party's election preparations, particularly following its efforts to consolidate opposition figures under a common political platform.

Atiku Accuses Political Forces of Targeting His Campaign

Reacting to the judgment, Atiku Abubakar described the timing of the decision as suspicious, suggesting that it was part of a broader strategy to weaken his political support, particularly in northern Nigeria.

He argued that the legal challenge was intended to frustrate his presidential campaign at a critical stage of the electoral process.

Atiku had secured the ADC presidential ticket in May 2026 and had already begun campaigning ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

He also selected former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

Major Setback for Nigeria's Opposition

The ruling comes amid growing political tensions as President Bola Tinubu seeks a second term under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku, who served as Nigeria's Vice President between 1999 and 2007, was the runner-up in the 2023 presidential election, finishing behind Tinubu.

Peter Obi, who placed third in the previous election, has also emerged as a major opposition figure ahead of the 2027 contest.

The opposition has faced internal disagreements and leadership disputes as different political groups attempt to build a united front against the ruling party.

The latest judgment could further complicate those efforts, particularly if the decision is upheld by higher courts.

What Happens Next?

The ADC has indicated that it will appeal the judgment, setting the stage for another legal battle over the party's leadership and eligibility to participate fully in the forthcoming elections.

The outcome of the appeal will be crucial in determining whether Atiku can proceed with his presidential bid under the ADC banner.

With the January 2027 elections approaching, the dispute raises fresh questions about political party governance, internal democracy and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria's electoral process.