Atiku Vows to Appeal Court Ruling, Seeks Stay of Execution

In a dramatic turn of events, the presidential campaign council of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has vowed to appeal a court judgement that invalidated his presidential nomination. The judgement, delivered by the Federal High Court on November 5, 2026, ruled that Atiku was not qualified to contest the election due to his citizenship. In a swift response, Atiku’s campaign council has also sought an interim relief, challenging the legal basis of the ruling. According to Premium Times Nigeria, the council disputes the court’s interpretation of the law regarding the presidential qualifications.

The council, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Paul Ibe, maintained that Atiku is a Nigerian citizen by birth, having been born in Jada, Adamawa State on November 25, 1946. Ibe also asserted that the court’s judgement was in contradiction with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which both state that a presidential candidate must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth. The court, however, held that Atiku’s dual citizenship with the United States disqualified him from running for the presidency.

The judgement has sparked controversy and protests across the country, with many Nigerians expressing their support for Atiku and accusing the court of bias. The PDP, in a statement, described the judgement as a ‘desperate and ill-conceived attempt to disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who are rooting for Atiku Abubakar.’ The party also pledged to challenge the judgement and ensure that justice is served.

As the election day draws near, the legal battle between Atiku and the court promises to be a significant event that could shape the political landscape of Nigeria. The outcome of this legal tussle could determine whether Atiku, a seasoned politician and former vice president, will be allowed to contest the election or not.