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.

Three political appointees serving under Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have resigned from their positions, adding to a series of departures from the state government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The officials are the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo; Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Simeon Adegbola Oyeleke; and a member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Sunday Olugbenga Falana.

Their resignations were communicated on Monday, November 2, 2026, with all three officials indicating that their decisions would take immediate effect.

Ojo conveyed his resignation in a letter addressed to Makinde through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde. He referred to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026, but did not disclose the reason for leaving the position.

The former commissioner thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve Oyo State.

Similarly, Oyeleke, a former two-term member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and former local government chairman, tendered his resignation in a letter dated November 2.

Unlike Ojo, Oyeleke gave an explanation for his decision, stating that he was no longer comfortable with the working environment in the administration.

He said the circumstances had made it difficult for him to effectively pursue and fulfil the aspirations of his people while serving in the government.

Despite his decision, Oyeleke appreciated Makinde for his leadership, encouragement and support, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the administration’s policies and development programmes.

Falana, who hails from Ogbomoso, also resigned his appointment as a member of OYSIEC through a letter addressed to the governor via the Chief of Staff.

He did not state the reason for his departure but described his experience serving on the state’s electoral management body as worthwhile and expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity.

The latest resignations come weeks after the departure of Makinde’s Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, who stepped down in October after serving in the position for more than five years. The former Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office, Tara Adefope, also resigned around the same period.

Other officials have reportedly left the administration in recent months, including political appointees and members of the governor’s advisory team.

The developments are taking place as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the three latest appointees did not collectively attribute their resignations to the forthcoming elections.