A Nigerian court has disqualified Atiku Abubakar, a leading presidential candidate, complicating the electoral process two months before the election.
A Federal High Court judge in Abuja ruled on Thursday that the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, one of the three major parties contesting the January 2027 election, was illegally constituted, voiding Abubakar's candidacy. This decision comes after a previous court order deregistered the party for failing to meet constitutional requirements, though an appeals court had overturned that ruling. Critics and the party allege the case was orchestrated by the ruling party.
Nigeria is set to hold elections against a backdrop of economic challenges and escalating insecurity. Incumbent President Bola Tinubu faces opposition primarily from Abubakar and Peter Obi, who came in second and third, respectively, in the 2023 presidential election.
Abubakar stated that the timing of the ruling was not coincidental and is part of a strategy to weaken his support. The African Democratic Congress announced it would appeal the judgment. The slow start to the campaign, marked by legal battles among opposition parties, has been seen as potentially boosting Tinubu's chances.