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Nigeria

Nigerian court voids Atiku Abubakar's ADC candidacy and removes party leadership

The ruling leaves the opposition ADC's presidential nomination in doubt two months before January elections, affecting the contest against President Tinubu.

Photo: allafrica.com

What happened

A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the leadership of the African Democratic Congress was illegally constituted and nullified the leadership led by David Mark. allafrica.com+4 The judgment also voided the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 election. allafrica.com+4 The judge also invalidated decisions taken under the disputed leadership, including the nominations of candidates the party presented for the 2027 general elections. Nigerian Democratic Report -+1 The case was brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC national deputy chairman, who argued that the ADC constitution entitled him to take over the leadership after the resignation of the party's former national chairman. BBC+1 The party says it will appeal the decision. allafrica.com

Around it

The ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of involvement in the lawsuit, and its spokesman called the ruling another attempt to cripple the opposition. allafrica.com+1 An appeals court had earlier overturned a ruling that ordered the party deregistered for failing to meet constitutional requirements. Newsday Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who is running in 2027 under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, expressed concern that uncertainty over parties and candidates could affect preparations for the elections. Nigeria Info, Let's Talk!

What comes next

Presidential elections are scheduled for 16 January, with President Bola Tinubu's main challengers expected to be Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. allafrica.com+1

Sources

  1. allafrica.comNigeria: Uncertainty Over Nigeria Vote After Court Bars Opposition Leader From Running
  2. BBCWill Nigeria's Atiku Abubakar be on the presidential ballot after ADC court ruling?
  3. NewsdayNigerian court nullifies presidential contender's candidacy 2 months before election
  4. Nigerian Democratic Report -Fresh Blow to ADC as Court Ousts Mark-Led Leadership, Invalidates Atiku’s Candidacy
  5. The Witness NigeriaJUST IN: Court removes David Mark-led ADC leadership, nullifies Atiku’s presidential ticket
  6. Nigeria Info, Let's Talk!Peter Obi Raises Concern Over Court Ruling on ADC Leadership

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