2027 Election: Atiku’s Supporters Protest Court Ruling, Threaten To Petition US Embassy, UN

Supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday staged a protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the release of a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment that nullified his emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The protesters, who expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, called for the immediate release of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, arguing that the delay could affect Atiku’s ability to challenge the ruling through the appropriate legal process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the demonstrators accused the court of withholding the certified copy in a manner they believe could prevent the former vice president and his legal team from exercising their right to appeal.

The protesters also disclosed plans to submit petitions to the United States Embassy and the United Nations, seeking their intervention over the development.

The demonstration followed a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC caretaker committee led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the committee, including Atiku’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

In the judgment delivered last week, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the Mark-led caretaker committee was not legally constituted, thereby setting aside its decisions.

The case was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which the Mark-led committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe had argued that following the resignation of the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was entitled to take over the party’s leadership. He consequently asked the court to nullify actions taken by the caretaker committee.

The court ruled in his favour, a decision that has since generated controversy within the opposition party and raised questions about the future of Atiku’s presidential ambition under the ADC platform.

Meanwhile, the ADC has appealed the judgment, challenging the court’s decision as the political and legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership and its 2027 presidential ticket continues.