Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that nothing will stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, despite a Federal High Court judgment that nullified his nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku made his position known following a judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which invalidated the leadership structure of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark.

The court also nullified decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.

Reacting to the development, Atiku insisted that the ruling would not end his political ambition, maintaining that Nigerians should be allowed to decide their next president through a free and fair election.

He accused those behind the political developments of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement, the former vice president maintained that he remained committed to the presidential contest and urged his supporters not to lose hope.

ADC Takes Legal Action

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court judgment.

The party also filed an application seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal.

The ADC has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercise restraint while the legal process continues.

APC Reacts to ADC Crisis

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, denied involvement in the ADC’s internal leadership crisis.

The party advised the opposition party to resolve its internal disagreements rather than blame the ruling party for the court’s decision.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also reacted, arguing that political actors must respect judicial judgement and verdict.

The legal battle has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Although Atiku remains determined to contest, the final outcome of the appeal and the application for a stay of execution could have significant implications for his candidacy and the party’s participation in the election.

For now, the political contest is far from settled, as Nigerians await the next development in the unfolding legal battle.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments surrounding the ADC crisis and the 2027 presidential election.