Nigeria court voids Atiku's candidacy before election

· Politics · Nigeria

A Nigerian court on Thursday voided the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for January's election, dealing a blow to one of the main opposition challengers. In a separate case, a court barred an opposition candidate two months before the election, adding fresh complications to the electoral process. Nigeria's political scene is dominated by competing kingmakers stretching to the top. The military separately ruled out a ceasefire with Islamist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, vowing sustained operations.

Why it matters：Court rulings removing opposition candidates could weaken the credibility of Nigeria's election, one of Africa's most consequential votes.

Key points

  • Atiku's nomination as ADC candidate for January's election was voided.
  • A second opposition candidate was barred in a separate case.
  • The military ruled out a ceasefire with Islamist insurgents.

Sources (original reporting)

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