Praise Isioye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is trying to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a court ruling questioned Senator David Mark’s leadership.
Atiku, who is running for president under the ADC, called the judgment delivered on Thursday a deliberate attempt to hinder his presidential goals and diminish the party’s increasing political power.
In a statement from Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku expressed that the timing of this ruling was suspicious, especially since it came just one day after he received a warm welcome from a large crowd in Sokoto during the campaign launch.
He noted that this reception showed growing public support for his campaign and highlighted Nigerians’ desire for a change in leadership amid tough economic times.
“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. What we witnessed in Sokoto is only the beginning. The people of Kebbi will have their say, and so will Nigerians across the country as our campaign moves forward,” he said.
Atiku emphasized that while his roots are in Northern Nigeria, his presidential aspirations are national. He pointed out that economic struggles affect all Nigerians, no matter where they live.
“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North. Hunger and hardship do not respect regional boundaries,” he said.
He also claimed that this judgment is part of a plan to reduce his political backing in the North and disrupt a campaign message that is resonating with people across the nation.
Additionally, Atiku raised legal concerns about the ruling, referencing an earlier decision by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
He mentioned that this court had previously dismissed challenges to David Mark’s leadership due to issues with jurisdiction and internal party processes not being fully addressed.
Questioning why another suit was filed over the same issue, Atiku described this as an effort to bypass an existing ruling.
“This is a calculated attempt to circumvent a subsisting judgment. We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal,” he said.
The former vice president encouraged ADC supporters to stay calm and follow the law, asserting that this court decision would not derail their campaign.
He announced that their campaign had moved on to Kebbi State and would continue nationwide. He urged supporters to spread their message to Nigerians through door-to-door and house-to-house mobilisation.
“Our journey to rescue Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC government is a long one. Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
Atiku urged his supporters to remain determined, peaceful, and focused, stating firmly that “there is no shaking.”
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