The political tension surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has intensified following a strong declaration by Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who has insisted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar must be allowed to contest the forthcoming presidential election.
In a statement attributed to him, Imasuagbon declared:
“Heaven will come down if Atiku is not on the ballot. Atiku must be on the ballot or there won’t be an election.”
The statement underscores the growing determination among sections of the ADC to ensure that Atiku's presidential ambition is not frustrated by the unfolding political and legal developments surrounding the opposition party.
Imasuagbon's position comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the ADC, following the November 5, 2026, judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership structure of the Senator David Mark-led faction of the party and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, followed a legal challenge instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), who questioned the legitimacy of the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.
The ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general election. However, the party has rejected the decision and indicated its intention to challenge it at the appellate court. <em>(Channels Television, November 5, 2026.)</em>
Atiku, on his part, has maintained that he remains in the presidential race and will not be intimidated or forced out by the court ruling. In his November 6 reaction, the former Vice President insisted that Nigerians must retain the right to choose their preferred presidential candidate through a free, fair and credible election.
He declared that he would remain on the ballot and described the legal developments as part of what he alleged was an attempt to weaken opposition politics and undermine democratic competition. These allegations remain contested. <em>(The Punch, November 6, 2026.)</em>
Imasuagbon has been one of the vocal ADC figures advocating Atiku's candidacy. In September, he called on voters in southern Nigeria to support the former Vice President, arguing that national leadership should be determined by competence, experience and the ability to unite the country rather than geographical considerations.
He also questioned the constitutional basis for presidential rotation, insisting that Nigerians should prioritise addressing insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, inadequate electricity and economic hardship.
His latest declaration therefore adds another dimension to the ongoing debate about Atiku's political future and the place of the ADC in the forthcoming presidential contest.
Meanwhile, the controversy has attracted reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, responding to the court judgment, argued that Nigeria's democracy would not collapse if Atiku failed to appear on the 2027 ballot. His position sharply contrasts with the warning attributed to Imasuagbon. <em>(TheCable, November 6, 2026.)</em>
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the ADC now faces the dual challenge of resolving its internal leadership dispute and defending its electoral preparations through the judicial process.
Beyond the personalities involved, the unfolding situation raises important questions about political party administration, judicial intervention in party affairs, opposition participation and the right of Nigerian voters to have a genuine choice at the ballot.
For Imasuagbon, however, the message is unequivocal: Atiku must be on the ballot.
Whether the ADC can overcome its legal challenges and secure his participation in the presidential election will remain one of the defining political developments to watch as Nigeria moves towards 2027.
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