The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing fresh political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections following a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark and nullified the party’s candidate selection processes.
The ruling has raised questions about the future of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition, as well as the nominations of other ADC candidates contesting various positions in the forthcoming elections.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in Abuja on Wednesday in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party. Gombe had challenged the emergence of Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the party’s leadership, arguing that the process did not follow the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
The judge ruled that the leadership arrangement was not properly constituted and consequently invalidated decisions and nominations made under the Mark-led National Working Committee. The court also dismissed 27 preliminary applications filed by the defendants seeking to stop the case from proceeding.
Reacting to the development, the ADC rejected the judgment, insisting that another Federal High Court had already recognised the Mark-led leadership in a previous ruling delivered on July 2, 2026.
The party maintained that Justice Musa Liman’s earlier decision remained valid and could not be overturned by another court of equal jurisdiction. It also announced plans to challenge the latest judgment through an appeal and other available legal processes.
Atiku also criticised the ruling, alleging that it was part of an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Through his campaign spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice-President questioned why the judgment came barely 24 hours after the ADC launched its campaign in Sokoto.
Despite the setback, Atiku urged his supporters to remain calm, insisting that the development would not end his presidential ambition or stop the party from pursuing its political objectives.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who is now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also expressed concern over the judgment. Although he acknowledged the authority of the judiciary, he warned that uncertainty surrounding opposition parties so close to an election could weaken public confidence in the democratic process.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) equally raised concerns, accusing the ruling party of benefiting from developments that could weaken opposition politics. The SDP called on INEC, security agencies and the judiciary to remain neutral, while reaffirming its support for Adewole Adebayo and Usman Bugaje as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The judgment has also attracted criticism from some political stakeholders and legal practitioners. Former APGA National Chairman, Chekwas Okorie, described the development as an invitation to anarchy, warning that decisions capable of disrupting political participation during an election season could increase tension across the country.
However, legal practitioner Paul Mgbeoma advised the ADC to move quickly to the appellate court, stressing that the party could not simply ignore a judgment that had affected the validity of its leadership and candidates. He clarified that the ruling did not amount to deregistering the ADC or stripping its members of their constitutional right to participate in elections.
Meanwhile, Gombe, who instituted the case, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for compliance with party constitutions and the Electoral Act. The APC, through its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, denied any involvement in the crisis, insisting that the ADC’s problems resulted from internal leadership disagreements and failure to follow established procedures.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the ADC now faces the challenge of resolving its leadership dispute through the courts while protecting its candidates and political structures. The outcome of the planned appeal could prove decisive for Atiku’s presidential bid and the party’s ability to remain a major force in the opposition.
