Court Nullifies David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Invalidates Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ticket
The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, invalidating decisions taken by the disputed caretaker committee, including the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party representing the North-East.
The plaintiff challenged the process through which Mark and his allies assumed control of the party after the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Gombe maintained that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership following Nwosu’s departure and consequently asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed the ADC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.
The plaintiff also sought an order restraining Mark and Aregbesola from presenting themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
He argued that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
In its judgment, the court upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, declaring the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and invalidating actions undertaken under its authority.
The decision affects Atiku’s emergence as the ADC’s presidential flag bearer because the primary election that produced him was organised under the disputed leadership.
It also affects the party’s other nominations and decisions taken by the caretaker committee, although the precise scope of the judgment will be determined by the terms of the court’s enrolled order.
ADC TO APPEAL JUDGMENT
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, said the party would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Ukandu, who was subsequently joined in the proceedings as an interested party, maintained that the party would pursue an appeal against the ruling.
The judgment comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the ADC’s leadership and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Atiku had already emerged as the party’s presidential candidate and selected former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
The ruling now introduces fresh uncertainty into the party’s electoral preparations, with the outcome of any appeal expected to have significant implications for its leadership and candidates ahead of the elections.
