ADC WARNS APC IT IS “PLAYING WITH FIRE” AS COURT RULING THROWS ATIKU’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION INTO FRESH UNCERTAINTY

Nigeria’s opposition politics has taken another dramatic turn after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that it was “playing with fire” following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the party and invalidated the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The ADC has described the development as an attempt to cripple the opposition, questioning whether Nigeria’s democracy is becoming a contest of political popularity or a prolonged battle of court orders.

The warning came after Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a case instituted by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The ruling declared the Mark-led caretaker leadership illegal and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential flag bearer. The ADC, however, insists that the matter is far from over and has promised to challenge the decision through every available judicial channel.

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The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the ruling party of becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the opposition’s growing political influence. According to the party, the judgment came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which it described as a massive demonstration of public support. The ADC suggested that the timing was suspicious, alleging that the rally may have accelerated the delivery of a judgment that had allegedly been prepared long before then. However, the allegation of political interference remains the party’s accusation and has not been established as a judicial finding.

In its reaction, the ADC argued that the consequences of the judgment extend beyond Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark. The party warned that thousands of its candidates contesting various elective positions could also be affected if the decision stands. In other words, a political disagreement involving a handful of party leaders could potentially become a much bigger problem for candidates across the country. The ADC questioned whether Nigerians would be expected to accept a situation in which political participation could be disrupted by leadership disputes and court proceedings shortly before an election.

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One of the ADC’s strongest arguments concerns an earlier Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026. The party maintains that the earlier decision affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership. It argues that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over or overturn the subsisting decision of another court of equal jurisdiction. The ADC is therefore questioning the legal implications of Justice Lifu’s latest ruling and says it is awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment to establish its precise terms and consequential orders.

Meanwhile, the opposition party has accused the APC of attempting to use legal controversies to frustrate political competition whenever opposition parties begin gathering momentum. It has warned that no political ambition should be allowed to endanger Nigeria’s peace and stability. The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to demonstrate their popularity through free, fair and credible elections rather than allowing political disputes to overshadow the democratic process. For a ruling party confident in its achievements, the ADC argues, competition should be an opportunity to convince voters, not something to fear.

The latest controversy presents another significant test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Although the Federal High Court has delivered its decision, the ADC has vowed to appeal, while Atiku Abubakar has also indicated that he will challenge the ruling. The legal battle is therefore not necessarily the final chapter in the opposition party’s struggle. Whether the judgment survives further judicial scrutiny, and what it means for the ADC’s candidates nationwide, remain crucial questions. Stay with OGM News NG for further developments as Nigeria’s political contest moves from campaign grounds to the courtroom.