Okonkwo Accuses Justice Lifu of Being Used as a Weapon to Stop Atiku in 2027

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has accused Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja of being used as a “weapon” against opposition parties. Speaking on Channels Television on Saturday, November 7, Okonkwo criticised the judge’s ruling that nullified the David Mark-led ADC leadership, alleging it is a plot to block Atiku from contesting in 2027 so President Bola Tinubu can run unopposed.

Okonkwo questioned why the case was transferred from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Lifu, noting that the Court of Appeal had previously rebuked Lifu over a separate matter involving INEC and four political parties. “The Court of Appeal recognised by its judgement that the judge is known to display judicial rascality and judicial impertinence,” Okonkwo said, adding, “The target here is Atiku Abubakar. The target here is ADC, trying to use the judiciary to achieve political motives, not to uphold justice.”

He linked the legal battle to the ADC’s growing momentum following its Sokoto rally, which highlighted public frustration over hunger, insecurity, and inflation under the Tinubu administration. Okonkwo also argued that plaintiff Nafiu Bala Gombe lacked standing because he participated in approving the David Mark-led leadership on July 29, 2025, in INEC’s presence, and faulted the court for disqualifying ADC candidates without giving Atiku a fair hearing.

“Why did the court now go ahead to say that all the candidates of ADC are now disqualified? You now know where they are going. The reason is because they don’t want any party to confront APC in 2027,” he alleged, further asking, “How can you make an order that affects Atiku Abubakar when he was not a party to the case? The natural law of fair hearing has already been breached.”

Dismissing claims that internal crises drove Peter Obi and others out of the ADC coalition, Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using political incentives and lawsuits to cripple opposition parties. “APC simply wants to legislate and litigate the opposition out of existence so that Tinubu will run unopposed. This is the main reason. It has nothing to do with the internal crisis of any political party,” Okonkwo said, insisting that the ADC will appeal the ruling and declaring, “Atiku will be on the ballot in 2027 because no Atiku, no 2027 election.”