2027: ‘Stop celebrating’ - Abati fires Keyamo over judgment against Atiku

Presidential campaign council spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress, Kola Ologbondiyan, has dismissed a recent ruling by Justice Peter Lifu as futile and redundant. The judgment, which invalidated the Democratic Mark-led ADC and removed Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate, is "useless and an academic exercise overtaken by events," Ologbondiyan declared on Arise TV.

He argued that the decision cannot halt Atiku's campaign and that another court of equal standing had previously ruled on the same matter, rendering the current judgment without practical effect. Ologbondiyan cited a previous ruling by Justice Musa Liman, who affirmed the leadership transition from Ralph Nwosu to David Mark, stating that the July 2, 2025 meeting, which is subject to dispute, was a stakeholders meeting and occurred prior to the National Executive Council meeting where Mark and Aregbesola were elected.

He expressed disappointment that Justice Lifu is involved in another contentious ruling against the ADC, recalling that the same judge had earlier overturned the ADC's deregistration. Ologbondiyan questioned the timing of the ruling, which came after the ADC's successful presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto, raising concerns about potential political interference.

He announced that the party's legal team would challenge the judgment in higher courts, seeking interim relief and a stay of execution if necessary, before proceeding to an appeal. Ologbondiyan emphasized that Sen. David Mark remains the recognized National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is the National Secretary, urging ADC candidates, members, and supporters to remain calm, vigilant, and focused on their campaigns.