The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declared the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) leadership under former Senate President David Mark unlawful and annulled the party’s presidential ticket held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, effectively stripping the ADC of all its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Key points:
- Judge Peter Lifu ruled that the “Mark‑led Caretaker Committee” that organised the primary producing Atiku Abubakar as flag‑bearer was illegal.
- The court ordered the removal of every national officer, including Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and barred all ADC candidates submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- The decision may be appealed up to the Supreme Court before the elections scheduled for January.
What did the court decide?
Judge Peter Lifu stated that the caretaker committee’s conduct violated the party’s constitution, rendering the primary and the resulting candidacy null and void. Consequently, the entire national executive, as well as the slate of candidates the ADC had presented to INEC, were dismissed.
Who initiated the legal challenge?
The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, former Deputy National Chairman (North‑East) of the ADC, who contested the manner in which David Mark and other members assumed control of the party. Gombe’s complaint named the ADC, INEC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu as respondents.
What directive did the judge give to INEC?
The ruling instructed INEC not to recognise any resolutions adopted at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on 27 July 2025. This means the electoral body must disregard the party’s internal decisions that led to the disputed primary.
What are the next legal steps?
The ADC is expected to challenge the judgment through the appellate courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court for a final determination before the January elections. An earlier interim resolution from the Supreme Court in April had restored David Mark’s leadership, but that order was not final; a five‑member panel had directed the Federal High Court to see the case through to completion.
The outcome of these proceedings will decide whether the ADC can field candidates in the upcoming polls, a development that could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
For background, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a major opposition party, while the Federal High Court (judiciary) serves as the first instance for federal election disputes in Nigeria.