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 under the leadership, 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, ruling in favour of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership. He maintained that the emergence of Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, violated the party’s constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed the ADC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.
In upholding the plaintiff’s case, the court declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and invalidated actions taken under its authority. These included the presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party’s flag bearer, as well as nominations of other candidates for the 2027 elections.
The ruling comes after INEC had earlier published Atiku’s name as the ADC presidential candidate. He had also selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
Reacting to the judgment, ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, said the party would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
The judgment represents a major legal setback for the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The implications for the party’s candidates and electoral plans will depend on the outcome of any appeal and further legal proceedings.
