Atiku, Obi, SDP, CUPP React As Court Sacks Mark-Led ADC Leadership

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have reacted to the Federal High Court judgment that removed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Thursday declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and nullified its decisions, including the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its candidate for the 2027 election.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East, who argued that he was entitled to take over the party’s leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the judgment to frustrate his presidential ambition and weaken his support base in the North.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the ruling would not stop his campaign or reduce its national appeal.

He argued that the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after his campaign rally in Sokoto, was part of an alleged plan to disrupt the opposition’s momentum.

“The people of Sokoto came out in their thousands because they are hungry for change and believe in our promise to make life affordable again,” Atiku said.

He added that his campaign was not limited to the North, insisting that Nigerians across the country were facing economic hardship.

Atiku also questioned why the leadership dispute had been reopened despite an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja. He said he would challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The former vice-president urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and continue mobilising for the 2027 election.

Obi expresses concern over electoral uncertainty

Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, also reacted to the judgment, calling on Nigerians and the judiciary to protect democratic principles and ensure that opposition parties could operate freely.

In a statement posted on his X account, Obi said he respected the authority of the court but expressed concern about uncertainty surrounding political parties and candidates close to the election.

“I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law. My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty,” he said.

Obi alleged that the ruling party was creating instability within opposition parties, adding that similar developments had affected him during his time in the Labour Party.

He said voters, rather than courts, should ultimately determine who becomes a leader in a democracy.

“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders. I trust in the judiciary. As a public officer, I have shown deep respect for the judiciary,” he said.

Obi called on stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and allow opposition candidates to participate in elections.

CUPP accuses APC of weakening opposition

The Coalition of United Political Parties condemned the judgment, alleging that it was part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties and limit political competition.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the coalition accused the APC of pursuing a one-party state and criticised what it described as the judiciary’s failure to protect democratic rights.

CUPP said the ruling raised concerns about the ability of opposition parties to organise and compete freely ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition declared its support for the ADC and other opposition groups, saying it would continue to defend political pluralism.

SDP condemns alleged move against Atiku

The Social Democratic Party also condemned what it described as attempts to disqualify Atiku from the 2027 presidential election.

The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, made the position known on Thursday in Abuja while addressing journalists after a meeting with the party’s nine governorship candidates.

Gombe urged the judiciary, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and protect the electoral process.

He accused the APC of attempting to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken their ranks ahead of the elections.

However, he said the SDP was working with other opposition parties to promote credible elections, including joint training of party agents and the establishment of situation rooms to protect votes.

The SDP chairman also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and running mate, Prof. Usman Bugaje.

Meanwhile, the party’s governorship candidates discussed strategies for the 2027 elections at a meeting aimed at strengthening its structures and addressing organisational challenges.

ADC to appeal judgment

The ADC has said it will challenge the court’s decision at the appellate court.

The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was joined in the case as an interested party, said the party would appeal the judgment.