Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the Federal High Court judgment nullifying former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Obi described the development as surprising and unsettling, warning that the timing of the ruling could create uncertainty for political parties and candidates just months before the next general elections.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate made his position known in a statement shared on his verified X account on Thursday, November 5, following the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court had nullified the emergence of the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential flagbearer. The ruling also affected other candidates nominated by the party for the 2027 elections.

Obi clarified that he was not challenging the authority of the court to determine disputes but questioned the implications of the decision so close to an election.

He said: “I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law.”

He added that the public interest required certainty about political parties and their candidates ahead of an election, warning that prolonged uncertainty could affect the democratic process.

Obi also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of engineering instability within opposition parties. He linked the development to the leadership crisis that previously affected the Labour Party, which he contested under in the 2023 presidential election.

The NDC presidential candidate further argued that democracy should protect the rights of voters to freely choose their leaders, rather than allow developments that could undermine opposition participation.

“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” Obi stated, while reaffirming his respect for the judiciary.

He also referenced the wave of military takeovers in parts of West Africa, urging Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions and protect opposition politics rather than allow political disputes to weaken the system.

Meanwhile, the APC has rejected Obi’s allegation that it was responsible for the crisis surrounding the ADC leadership. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, questioned why opposition figures blamed the ruling party whenever court decisions went against them.

The ADC and Atiku have both indicated plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, setting the stage for further legal proceedings over the party’s leadership and its participation in the 2027 elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Federal High Court judgment nullifying his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, describing it as an attempt to derail what he called a growing national movement.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, alleged that the ruling was deliberately timed to weaken the party and frustrate his presidential ambition.

The reaction followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s executives. The court also declared invalid the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Atiku questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after the ADC held a presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State. He argued that the large turnout at the event demonstrated support for his campaign and its promise to make life more affordable for Nigerians.

He maintained that his presidential ambition was not restricted to Northern Nigeria, insisting that the economic challenges confronting the country affected citizens across regional and ethnic boundaries.

“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians,” he said, adding that the movement would continue as the campaign progressed to other states, including Kebbi.

The former Vice President also questioned the legal basis of the ruling, citing an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court in a separate suit concerning the ADC leadership.

According to Atiku, the earlier judgment had dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership on grounds including jurisdiction, standing and failure to exhaust the party’s internal dispute-resolution procedures.

He described the latest decision as an attempt to circumvent an existing judgment and disclosed that the party would challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Atiku urged ADC supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that the court ruling would not stop the party’s campaign activities. He said the campaign train had already moved to Kebbi State and would continue its engagements across the country.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman, who challenged the process through which the David Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party. The court upheld his claims and invalidated actions taken by the disputed leadership, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku.

The ADC has also rejected the ruling, describing it as legally indefensible and vowing to pursue all available legal options. The party has called on its members to remain peaceful while the legal process continues.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the appointment of 10 new aides to serve in various capacities across his administration.

The appointments were announced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.

According to the statement, the new appointees are expected to bring their experience and expertise to their respective offices and contribute to the administration’s development agenda.

Those appointed include Kelvin Atsem as Principal Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Ulaha Paschal Aondolumun as Special Assistant on Community Relations, and Terhemen Ndiisaa as Principal Special Assistant on Politics.

Others are Galim Terhide, appointed Special Assistant on Revenue; Ankpo Tarvershima, Special Assistant on Sanitation; and Job Tseagh, Principal Special Assistant on Power.

Lubem Mbabov, Terwase Aondoakaa and Charles Tema were also appointed Principal Special Assistants on Community Engagement.

Governor Alia charged the appointees to familiarise themselves with his administration’s blueprint and ensure their activities align with its policies and guiding principles.

He urged them to demonstrate commitment, integrity and dedication in carrying out their responsibilities, stressing that the interests of Benue State must remain their priority.

The governor also expressed his expectation that the new officials would contribute meaningfully to service delivery and the implementation of government programmes.

The latest appointments come days after Alia approved 23 other appointments to fill vacant positions left by officials who resigned from his administration. He also constituted a five-member Benue State Primary Healthcare Board as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare administration.