The Allied Democratic Party (ADC) holds the position of the most potent opposition to President Tinubu, having drawn numerous prominent figures away from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The protracted legal dispute could introduce significant complications, potentially leaving hundreds of ADC candidates in limbo and sparking critical questions about their authorized representatives.
Despite the judicial setback, Abubakar expresses unwavering confidence that the matter will be settled and urges his supporters to remain focused and avoid distractions.
“Nigerians deserve immediate relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis. We urge our supporters to remain resolute, take our message door to door, and stay peaceful and focused,” the 79-year-old declared.
Peter Obi, another principal presidential candidate currently on the ballot for a second term, voiced his profound shock at Thursday’s federal court ruling.
He posted on X: “Do not undermine democracy”.
The 65-year-old continued: “My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty.”
Obi had briefly aligned himself with the ADC before departing earlier this year to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—a shift largely precipitated by the internal legal disputes within the ADC.
“The sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, in the midst of encroaching military rule in West Africa, should strengthen our resolve to protect opposition politics and not stamp out opposition parties,” he asserted.
“As president, I will ensure that the existence of opposition parties is respected. This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive.”
Additional reporting by Chris Ewokor in Abuja
