ADC appeals court ruling voiding Atiku ticket; APGA backs Tinubu; Ibom port approved
ADC lawyers asked INEC Friday to pause implementation of a Federal High Court judgement voiding Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination. Justice Peter Lifu ruled Thursday that the David Mark-led caretaker leadership was unlawfully constituted, directing INEC to disregard all decisions from the party's 99th NEC meeting—including the presidential ticket. ADC filed an appeal and stay motion (suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025), but under Section 17 of the Court of Appeal Act, an appeal alone doesn't halt execution. No stay order was verified by Friday night. INEC says it hasn't received a certified copy of the judgement; its party directory still lists Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary as of Saturday.
Atiku vows to continue campaigning on food prices, fuel costs, and insecurity, accusing the Tinubu administration of using courts to limit competition—without evidence. APC denies involvement, calling it an internal ADC dispute.
In Awka Friday, APGA Governor Chukwuma Soludo formally backed Tinubu for the 16 January 2027 presidential election, targeting 50% of Anambra's votes (Tinubu got 5,111 votes there in 2023 vs Obi's 584,621). APGA will field 44 legislative candidates but no presidential candidate.
In Uyo, Tinubu approved the Ibom Deep Seaport after Governor Umo Eno pledged two million votes. A preferred bidder was selected in 2020 and FEC approved the full business case December 2020, but construction hasn't started. Tinubu criticised Obi's erosion record as Anambra governor; Obi's response couldn't be verified.
In Kebbi, ADC governorship candidate Abubakar Malami reported thugs attacked his convoy in Birnin Kebbi Thursday, damaging media equipment. Amnesty International reviewed footage confirming assaults and vehicle damage in Argungu. The governor's office denies state involvement; police haven't confirmed attackers, injuries, or arrests.
Smaller parties position for 2027: NDC's Efosa Omo-Osagie proposes barring NYSC postings to terrorism-threatened areas; YPP's Patience Key urges written governance agreements before joint tickets.