“Plot to weaken my northern support” — Atiku reacts to court judgment

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a calculated attempt to frustrate his presidential bid, TheCable reports.

In a statement on Thursday by his campaign spokesman Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling came a day after his rally in Sokoto.

“The timing of this judgment is no coincidence. It is part of a strategy to weaken my support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country,” he said.

“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians,” he added.

Justice Peter Lifu had upheld a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former national deputy chairman, challenging how the Mark-led caretaker committee took over after Ralph Nwosu resigned as chairman.

Atiku cited an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman dismissing a similar challenge.

“We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal,” he said.