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The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered today by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, purporting to nullify the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and voiding the nomination of our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Describing the ruling as an academic exercise that has been overtaken by events, the ADCPCC said its legal team are prepared to appeal the verdict.

The Council maintains that the judgment is of no practical effect and cannot override or displace an existing judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.

It is important to recall that the same Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, had already examined the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola and held that the transfer of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark did not violate the provisions of the party’s constitution.

Justice Liman acknowledged that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ meeting which preceded the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, at which Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. The NEC meeting was also monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The legal implications of that judgment cannot be wished away. The leadership question has already been subjected to judicial scrutiny by a court of coordinate jurisdiction. It is therefore untenable to suggest that a subsequent pronouncement can simply erase or displace an existing judicial decision without due regard to the principles governing judicial authority and the administration of justice.

The ADC PCC consequently regards today’s ruling as an exercise in futility, particularly as the party’s legal team is taking immediate steps to challenge the decision through the appropriate judicial channels.

Beyond its legal implications, however, the timing of this judgment raises serious concerns. It comes against the backdrop of the failed APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna and the hugely successful and unprecedented ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto. The contrast is unmistakable: while the ADC is gaining momentum and attracting growing national acceptance, the ruling party appears increasingly unsettled by the prospect of a formidable opposition.

Rather than confront the ADC politically and through the ballot box, the APC appears increasingly desperate to deploy every available instrument to frustrate the opposition and undermine its growing electoral momentum.

It is particularly unfortunate that Justice Lifu has once again become associated with a controversial judicial pronouncement involving the ADC. He is the same judge whose earlier judgment declaring the party deregistered was subsequently set aside by the Court of Appeal.

The Council is also aware of developments surrounding the proceedings, including allegations of pressure and political interference. We consider it imperative that the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary must never be compromised or sacrificed on the altar of partisan political interests.

Let it, however, be clearly understood that no amount of pressure, intimidation or judicial manoeuvring can extinguish the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who have found renewed hope in the ADC.

For the avoidance of doubt, Senator David Mark remains the National Chairman recognised by the party, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remains its National Secretary. The ADC remains focused, united and resolute in its determination to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.

We urge our candidates, members and supporters across the country to remain calm, vigilant and committed to their campaigns. There is absolutely no cause for panic. The party’s leadership remains firmly engaged in addressing the legal and political issues arising from this development.

We call on Nigerians not to be distracted by this judgment but, rather, to draw greater inspiration from the collective struggle to defend multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.

The ADC legal team is already taking steps to seek appropriate interim relief, including a stay of execution where legally applicable, and will subsequently pursue an appeal against the judgment.

The ADC is not distracted. The campaign continues. The struggle for a better Nigeria remains unstoppable.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force is ready for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Disu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, when a delegation from the Special Representative of the Secretary General for the West Africa and Sahel paid him a courtesy visit.

The police chief told the delegation led by Dr. Leonardo Simao that the Nigeria Police Force is adequately prepared for the elections.

“As I speak with you, we have embarked on the training of our officers and have updated their knowledge about the elections

“We have taken note of peculiar issues and that will be relating to the 2027 general elections.

“In spite of the fact that the Nigeria Police Force is in charge of the internal security of the country and the elections, we know that we cannot do it alone.

“We can only succeed with the assistance of our sister security agencies, so we have been having collaborative meetings, and trainings together,” he said.

Disu said the force had held series of trainings with personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Customs, Immigration Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) in preparation for the election.

He said the trainings also entailed how to include everybody in the election process, especially those living with disabilities.

According to him, the officers have been trained to identify them, and know what to do when they see persons with disabilities.

“So far so good, we are not afraid. We are confident that even if the elections start tomorrow, the Nigerian Police Force is ready to do what is expected of the force.

“We are ever ready to go, and we want to assure you that Nigerians will not be disappointed with the activities of the Nigerian Police Force in the election,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of delegation said there is always competition among political entities with emotions attached to it.

He said such emotions could lead to violence if not controlled, adding that the violence has always been there in West Africa and Israel.

“It is important, therefore, that all measures are taken to ensure that elections continue to be a political competition and not a danger to peace and stability of the country.

“The police have a special responsibility in the preservation of peace and stability.

“Therefore, we’d like to ask you to share with us; how do you see the country being prepared for elections, and in particular, your role?” he asked.