The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he will challenge the recent Court of Appeal judgment at the Supreme Court, insisting that the ruling does not affect his 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in Abuja on Monday, Atiku urged ADC members and supporters to remain calm, stressing that the appellate court did not invalidate the party’s presidential primary or the nomination of its candidates for the 2027 general election.
He dismissed claims suggesting otherwise, saying those celebrating the judgment were misrepresenting its implications.
According to Atiku, the Court of Appeal’s decision was limited to issues relating to the conduct of the ADC’s state congresses and the tenure of the party’s State Executive Committees, adding that it had no bearing on the validity of the party’s presidential primary.
“There is a clear legal distinction between the election of party executives through internal congresses and the nomination of candidates through statutory primary elections. They are separate legal processes governed by different legal principles,” he said.
The former Vice President accused political opponents of twisting the judgment for political gain, maintaining that courts can only determine issues placed before them.
He disclosed that he had directed his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the issues arising from the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, Atiku said seeking redress at the apex court remains the appropriate constitutional course.
He urged ADC supporters not to be discouraged, insisting that the party’s mission to contest and win the 2027 presidential election remains on course.
“The road to 2027 remains open, and the resolve of the Nigerian people cannot be overturned by propaganda. Our destination remains unchanged, and by the grace of God and the will of the Nigerian people, we shall arrive,” Atiku said.
