2027: Atiku warns judiciary could ‘destroy’ Nigeria ahead of elections

By Tolulope Oke

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the judiciary following the recent court ruling that stripped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of its leadership, throwing the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections into uncertainty.

In a fiery response, Atiku warned that the ruling, which leaves the ADC leaderless and effectively de-recognized by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He labeled the situation as an “existential threat” to democracy itself, fearing that such a decision could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s electoral system.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling, which removed the ADC’s leadership, has left the party unable to meet essential electoral requirements to contest the upcoming elections, disenfranchising millions of Nigerians who support the ADC. Atiku, a key opposition leader, emphasized the urgency of the matter, saying that “justice delayed is justice denied” in this case, as the ADC’s ability to contest the 2027 elections now hangs in the balance.

In his statement, Atiku called on the judiciary to act swiftly and warned against any undue influence from the ruling APC (All Progressives Congress), urging the courts to uphold fairness and preserve the democratic process.

The stakes have never been higher as Nigeria faces the specter of a politically charged election season, with the ADC’s future now uncertain. Atiku’s comments underscore the increasingly volatile political climate as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections.