Evening Update: Court Rules on Atiku’s Candidacy, Maina’s Son Sentenced, and Student Deaths

In today’s news, a Federal High Court has ruled that Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy for the 2027 presidential election remains valid. This follows a judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark. ADC lawyer Kalu Kalu stated that the court did not cancel Atiku’s nomination despite the leadership ruling.

In another significant development, Faisal Maina, the son of former Pension Reform Task Team chairman Abdulrasheed Maina, has been ordered to begin a seven-year prison sentence for money laundering and failing to fully disclose his assets. The sentence will run concurrently starting from October 2026, as decided by Justice James Omotosho.

Tragedy struck near the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where four students died after an off-campus gathering. The university confirmed the deaths and announced three days of mourning. Six other students are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The university’s Vice-Chancellor described the incident as a profound loss.

Additionally, the court ruling regarding the ADC has created further complications for the party as it prepares for the upcoming elections. ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi announced plans to appeal the ruling, claiming the judge made an error.