Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed claims that the Court of Appeal nullified the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such reports as a deliberate distortion of the court’s ruling aimed at misleading Nigerians and weakening the opposition.

 

Atiku urged members of the ADC and supporters across the country not to be distracted by what he called a coordinated campaign of misinformation, insisting that the appellate court’s judgment did not invalidate the party’s presidential primary or any other primary election conducted under the Electoral Act.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said the widespread interpretation of the judgment by political opponents and commentators was legally inaccurate and designed to create unnecessary panic among party faithful.

 

According to him, the Court of Appeal‘s decision dealt specifically with issues surrounding the conduct of the party’s state congresses and the tenure of State Executive Committees, adding that these internal administrative matters are entirely separate from the statutory process through which political parties nominate candidates for public office.

 

He explained that under Nigerian law, the election of party executives and the conduct of primary elections are governed by different legal provisions and constitutional principles, stressing that the judgment should not be interpreted as a cancellation of the ADC’s presidential ticket or the candidacy of any aspirant produced through the party’s primaries.

 

“The judgment currently being celebrated by some political actors does not amount to a judicial nullification of the ADC’s primary elections. There is a clear legal distinction between party congresses used to elect executives and statutory primary elections conducted for the nomination of candidates,” the statement said.

 

Shaibu further argued that it is a settled principle of law that courts only determine matters placed before them by litigants and cannot pronounce on issues that were never submitted for adjudication.

 

He accused some political opponents of deliberately exaggerating the implications of the ruling in an attempt to score political points, warning that public opinion and social media narratives cannot override the actual contents of a court judgment.

 

According to the statement, “Political propaganda cannot replace judicial pronouncements. Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not through social media speculation, sensational headlines or partisan interpretations.”

 

The former vice president reiterated his respect for the judiciary, noting that the ADC had already instructed its legal team to challenge aspects of the Court of Appeal’s judgment before the Supreme Court.

 

He expressed confidence that the apex court would provide final clarity on the issues arising from the judgment, adding that pursuing legal remedies through constitutional means remains the appropriate response.

 

Atiku also appealed to ADC members nationwide to remain united, committed and focused on the party’s broader objective of providing an alternative platform for Nigerians seeking improved governance.

 

He maintained that the opposition’s mission extends beyond any single court decision, describing it as a movement driven by the aspirations of millions of Nigerians for economic recovery, national unity, accountable leadership and renewed hope.

 

The statement urged supporters not to be discouraged by what it described as attempts to weaken the morale of the opposition, insisting that the political journey towards the 2027 general elections remains firmly on course.

 

Reaffirming his confidence in the democratic process, Atiku said the party would continue mobilising across the country while pursuing all available legal options, expressing optimism that no amount of political propaganda or legal misinterpretation would derail what he described as the legitimate aspirations of Nigerians for a better future.

 

He concluded that the ADC remains committed to the rule of law and democratic principles, expressing confidence that the party’s path to the 2027 elections remains intact despite ongoing political and legal contests.