The Court of Appeal has removed a major legal hurdle ahead of the 2027 general elections by overturning a Federal High Court judgment that threatened the legal status of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties. The ruling effectively preserves the ADC’s place on the ballot and strengthens the opposition’s preparations for the next presidential election.
In its judgment, the appellate court held that the June 15 ruling of the Federal High Court was a nullity and further found that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit. The decision nullified the earlier judgment that had raised uncertainty over the party’s legal status and leadership.
Reacting to the verdict, the Atiku Media Office described it as a decisive victory for the ADC and Nigeria’s democratic process, stating that the party now faces no pending court cases challenging its leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ruling is expected to allow the party to focus fully on coalition-building, candidate selection, and preparations for what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested general election.