Atiku Abubakar’s supporters protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the certified copy of the judgment in the ADC leadership dispute
Supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday protested at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the release of the certified true copy of a judgment that invalidated the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caretaker committee and its actions.
The protesters said the delay in releasing the judgment was frustrating the party’s efforts to challenge the ruling, which has thrown into question the legitimacy of the committee that organised the ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku as its candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment last Thursday in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East.
Gombe had challenged the emergence of the caretaker committee led by Senator David Mark after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.
He argued that he was entitled to lead the party and asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the caretaker committee.
The court upheld his claims and granted the reliefs sought, including an order restraining Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from presenting themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
Atiku had emerged from the party’s presidential primary organised by the caretaker committee and reportedly selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
The ADC has, however, said it will appeal the judgment. The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who joined the suit as an interested party, confirmed the decision to challenge the ruling at the appellate court.
Speaking during Wednesday’s protest, the supporters alleged that withholding the certified copy of the judgment was intended to frustrate Atiku’s right to appeal.
They also announced plans to submit petitions to the United States Embassy and the United Nations, seeking their intervention in the matter.
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