ADC Still Eligible for 2027 Elections, But Atiku May Not Be Candidate – Keyamo

Meta Description: Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can still participate in the 2027 general elections, but Atiku Abubakar and candidates backed by the David Mark-led faction may be excluded.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) still has a chance of participating in the 2027 general elections despite a recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s David Mark-led leadership.

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However, Keyamo warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might not appear on the ballot as the party’s presidential candidate, depending on the final decision of the Supreme Court.

The minister made this known in a post on his X account on Sunday while reacting to concerns that the court judgment could prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Court Nullifies David Mark-Led ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Thursday, nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the faction.

The ruling also affected the presidential primary through which Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Following the judgment, the ADC announced its intention to appeal the decision.

Keyamo Explains Implications of Court Ruling

Reacting to the controversy, Keyamo maintained that the judgment should not be interpreted as an attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party could still field candidates, but those nominated under the David Mark-led faction, including Atiku, might not make the final ballot.

He wrote:

“For the education of the public, those raising false alarm that the court judgment on ADC means the Party will not be on the ballot are spreading misinformation.

“The ADC will be on the ballot. It is the David Mark faction of candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, that may not be on the ballot, depending on the final judgment of the Supreme Court.”

Minister Questions Opposition to Court Judgment

Keyamo also questioned why some Nigerians were protesting the ruling, arguing that the interests of members of the ADC’s original leadership structure should equally be considered.

He challenged critics of the judgment to recognise the rights of candidates who reportedly emerged through primaries conducted under the party’s original leadership structure.

He further asked whether such candidates should be regarded as less entitled to participate in the electoral process than prominent politicians associated with the David Mark-led faction.

“Therefore, the question we must ask those raising hell is that, are those Nigerians who successfully won their primaries under the faction of the original owners of the ADC lesser humans or lesser Nigerians than David Mark and Atiku Abubakar?” he asked.

ADC’s 2027 Electoral Ambition Hangs on Legal Outcome

The unfolding leadership dispute presents another challenge for the ADC as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

While the party has vowed to challenge the Federal High Court judgment, the final outcome of the legal battle could determine which leadership structure is recognised and whose candidates are eligible to contest under the ADC platform.

The Supreme Court’s eventual decision is therefore expected to play a significant role in determining the party’s political direction and the fate of aspirants seeking its tickets for the 2027 elections.