2027: Atiku Breaks Silence On Appeal Court ADC Judgment

According to Ireporter Online, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party and three other political parties.

Reacting through his media office, Atiku described the appellate court’s decision as a significant victory for democracy, saying it reinforced the principles of free political participation and constitutional governance.

He commended the justices for what he described as their commitment to justice, constitutional order and the rule of law, expressing confidence that the ruling would strengthen public trust in the judiciary.

The former Vice President also welcomed the court’s affirmation of the ADC leadership under Senator David Mark, noting that the judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court decision recognising the party’s leadership, had resolved all pending legal disputes over the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the judgment delivered on June 15 by Justice Lifu was invalid because it was issued despite an existing order of the appellate court. The panel further held that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the case, describing their claims as speculative and without merit.

The appellate court also clarified the interpretation of Section 225A of the Constitution, holding that the suit was filed prematurely because the electoral processes in Osun and Ekiti states were still ongoing at the time.

In addition, the court noted that the trial court failed to properly consider unchallenged affidavit evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the affected political parties had complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements.

Atiku maintained that the judgment represented more than a legal victory for the ADC, insisting it was a triumph for Nigeria’s democracy and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders through the ballot.

He further urged political actors to refrain from using the courts or other state institutions to eliminate opponents, stressing that electoral contests should be decided by voters rather than through what he described as politically motivated litigation.

The former Vice President expressed optimism that the decision would promote confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.