Former Vice-President accuses ruling party of plotting to weaken opposition; Bwala denies APC involvement in suit.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to challenge Thursday’s Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, describing the ruling as an attempt to undermine the opposition party and frustrate his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and invalidated decisions taken under its leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Court nullifies Mark-led leadership
The suit, instituted by an aggrieved ADC member from Gombe State, challenged the legality of the Mark-led leadership structure and the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the caretaker committee.
The court’s decision effectively nullified the committee’s authority and raised questions about the validity of decisions taken under its leadership, including the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku alleges plot to weaken opposition
Reacting to the judgment, Atiku vowed to appeal, accusing the ruling establishment of attempting to weaken opposition forces and frustrate the emergence of a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement titled “The Panic Is Real — Atiku”, the former Vice-President questioned the circumstances surrounding the ruling, insisting that the legal setback would not stop his political ambition or the ADC’s campaign.
He maintained that the opposition movement would continue despite the judgment, expressing confidence that the decision would be challenged through the appropriate judicial channels.
Atiku also questioned the timing of the ruling, coming shortly after the ADC’s political activities, including its rally in Sokoto, suggesting that the development was connected to concerns over the growing opposition coalition.
Bwala denies APC involvement, accuses Mark-led leadership of undemocratic takeover
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has denied claims of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s involvement in the legal dispute that led to Thursday’s judgment.
Bwala told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the APC “is not involved at all” in the suit over the ADC’s leadership.
However, in a separate post on his X account on Thursday, the presidential aide criticised the Mark-led executive, accusing its members of taking over the party’s leadership without following due process.
“A political party that wants to govern Nigeria must be a party of due process, equity and justice.
“You descended on ADC like a thief in the night, took over its leadership undemocratically and hoped that all is well,” he wrote.
Bwala further alleged that the leadership violated the ADC constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His comments came amid allegations by Atiku and other opposition figures that the ruling party was seeking to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC insists on appeal
The ADC has also rejected the court’s decision, insisting that Mark and other members of its leadership remain the party’s legitimate leaders.
The opposition party said it would challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that the legal battle was not over.
The ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly regarding its leadership structure and the status of Atiku’s presidential ambition under the party’s platform.
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