ADC will be on 2027 ballot, but Atiku’s fate uncertain – Festus Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has clarified that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will participate in the 2027 general elections, though former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy remains legally uncertain.

Addressing public speculation in a post on his official X handle on Sunday, Keyamo explained that while recent court rulings nullified the David Mark-led leadership faction of the party, the judgment does not disqualify the political party itself from contesting. However, he noted that candidates produced under the Mark-led structure including Atiku's presidential ticket—could face disqualification depending on the final verdict of the Supreme Court.

“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,” Keyamo wrote. 

“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.”

The legal controversy stems from a Federal High Court ruling delivered in Abuja on Thursday, which nullified the Mark-led leadership and invalidated key actions taken by the faction, including the presidential primary that secured Atiku's nomination for the 2027 race.

Defending the legal implications of the decision, Keyamo questioned the pushback against candidates who emerged through the party's original recognized leadership structure, asking whether legitimate contenders under the foundational leadership should be sidelined in favor of the Mark-led faction.

Leadership figures within the ADC and Atiku’s campaign camp have firmly rejected the court's decision, announcing immediate plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal as the battle over the party's 2027 ticket intensifies.