The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the African Democratic Congress leadership led by former Senate President, David Mark. The ruling also invalidates the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday in a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The court also nullified the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and other appointments and candidate nominations made by the Mark-led leadership. It directed INEC not to recognise decisions from the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
Reacting, Atiku vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, accusing the ruling APC of trying to weaken the opposition. However, Gombe welcomed the ruling and ruled out immediate reconciliation with the Mark-led faction. He urged Mark and Atiku to register as party members in their respective wards before participating in its affairs. Meanwhile, the ADC and other opposition figures condemned the judgment, warning that it could undermine democratic competition. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, however, defended the court’s decision. The ruling has thrown the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections into uncertainty.
