NIGERIA: COURT STRIKES DOWN ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL BID IN MAJOR POLITICAL BLOW
6 Nov 2026 08:58 • 1 source
Summary
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has been thrown into uncertainty after a court in Abuja reportedly nullified opposition leader Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, triggering outrage within his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The dramatic ruling, announced on Thursday, November 5, comes barely a day after the former Vice-President launched his campaign in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, in his bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu. The legal battle stems from a leadership crisis within the ADC, with Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the appointment of Senator David Mark as party chairman. The court reportedly ruled in Gombe’s favour, dealing a major setback to the opposition party. The ADC has denounced the judgment as politically motivated, accusing the ruling establishment of attempting to weaken the opposition and undermine Nigerians’ right to freely choose their next leader. With the 2027 presidential elections approaching, the ruling has opened a fresh chapter in Nigeria’s political tensions.
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