A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, who ruled that the Mark-led caretaker committee was illegally constituted and lacked the authority to take decisions on behalf of the party.
The court also nullified the emergence of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s National Secretary, alongside other actions taken by the leadership, including the nomination of candidates for elective positions.
Justice Lifu further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which David Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume the leadership position. He asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, maintaining that its emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
Upholding the plaintiff’s claims, the court granted the reliefs sought, a decision that has thrown the party’s leadership and preparations for the 2027 elections into fresh uncertainty.
ADC Rejects Judgment, Plans Appeal
The ADC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it through the appellate courts.
The party argued that the judgment disregarded an earlier decision delivered by another Federal High Court judge, Justice Musa Liman, on July 2, 2026, which it said had affirmed the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.
The party also maintained that a court of equal jurisdiction could not overturn or review the decision of another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
ADC officials warned that the ruling could affect thousands of party members and candidates seeking elective positions across the country, not just Atiku’s presidential ambition.
Atiku Vows to Challenge Ruling
Atiku Abubakar also condemned the judgment, describing it as an attempt to undermine his presidential ambition and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Vice-President said his campaign would continue despite the court decision and vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
His Presidential Campaign Council disclosed that its lawyers were preparing to seek a stay of execution while pursuing the appeal.
Atiku also questioned the timing of the judgment, which came shortly after his campaign activities in Sokoto State.
Implications for 2027 Elections
The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the ADC’s participation in the 2027 general elections if it remains in force after the appeals process.
The party had emerged as a platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
However, the judgment does not represent the final determination of the dispute, as the ADC and Atiku have indicated their intention to seek redress at the Court of Appeal.
The outcome of the anticipated appeal will be important in determining the recognised leadership of the party and the validity of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.