Skip to content
Moojaz — موجز
Search
Menu
HomeRegionsMaghrebAfricaMiddle EastEuropeAsiaAmericasWorldSectionsPoliticsEconomySecurityHealthScienceTechnologyAIEnvironmentCultureSportsSearch
Nigeria
File

Nigeria: Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy dispute

Published

This dossier follows litigation over the ADC leadership and its consequences for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy.

Latest event : 1 key moments
How we use AIReport an error
Atiku Abubakar in August 2003. Cropped archive portrait; does not show the 2026 proceedings. Ron Bennett / HUD, public domain.
Atiku Abubakar in August 2003. Cropped archive portrait; does not show the 2026 proceedings. Ron Bennett / HUD, public domain. — Ron Bennett / HUD / Wikimedia Commons — domaine public ; 3 août 2003 ; recadrage de la version Commons.

Where things stand

On 5 November 2026, Abuja’s Federal High Court invalidates the ADC leadership and the acts underpinning Atiku’s candidacy. He challenges the ruling.

Browse the full timeline

Reported information

Nigerian court voids Atiku’s candidacy; he challenges the ruling

Abuja’s Federal High Court invalidated the African Democratic Congress leadership headed by David Mark and Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy on 5 November 2026. The former vice-president rejects the decision and announces an appeal.

Atiku Abubakar in August 2003. Cropped archive portrait; does not show the 2026 proceedings. Ron Bennett / HUD, public domain.
Atiku Abubakar in August 2003. Cropped archive portrait; does not show the 2026 proceedings. Ron Bennett / HUD, public domain. — Ron Bennett / HUD / Wikimedia Commons — domaine public ; 3 août 2003 ; recadrage de la version Commons.

According to Channels Television and Premium Times, the judgment stems from a dispute over the installation of the party leadership. Judge Peter Lifu finds it unlawfully constituted and annuls actions taken under its authority, including electoral nominations.

Atiku portrays the decision as an attempt to obstruct his campaign. That allegation is his political position. The announced appeal does not overturn the judgment: the candidate’s participation remains dependent on further court proceedings.

Sources 4