Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dino Melaye has declared that a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s David Mark-led leadership does not mention former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other candidate by name.
Melaye made the statement on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, after the ADC obtained the certified true copy (CTC) of the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on November 5. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote: “We have just received the certified true copy of Justice Lifu’s judgement. Nowhere in the judgement is Atiku Abubakar’s name or any other candidate’s name mentioned. All the propaganda and lies of APC have expired. Atiku Abubakar is coming.”
The judgment had declared the Mark-led National Working Committee illegal and nullified decisions taken under it. These included the process that produced Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and resolutions from the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise those decisions.
The ruling sparked uncertainty over Atiku’s candidacy and prompted protests by ADC members and supporters at the Federal High Court in Abuja demanding the release of the certified judgment so they could challenge it on appeal.
Melaye’s latest comments push back against interpretations that the judgment directly disqualified Atiku from contesting the presidency. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of spreading misleading claims about the decision to undermine the former vice president’s ambition.
Earlier, on November 6, Melaye had addressed the ruling at an ADC presidential campaign rally in Kebbi State. He described it as part of efforts to frustrate Atiku and shrink democratic space, while insisting that “no amount of intimidation, harassment or court order will save Tinubu. Go he must.” He framed the 2027 election as a contest between suffering Nigerians and the federal government.
The ADC has indicated plans to appeal the judgment. As of Wednesday, INEC had not yet removed Atiku’s name (or that of his running mate) from its candidates’ list, citing procedural steps related to the court order.
The development adds to the political tensions surrounding opposition preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
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