The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee led by former Senate President, David Mark, declaring its actions and decisions invalid.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Mark-led caretaker committee was illegally constituted and violated the party’s constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The court consequently nullified the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as well as the emergence of former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary and other national officers.
The ruling followed a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
The court also directed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
Speaking after the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), said all actions taken by the ADC since July 27, 2025, had been annulled.
Another counsel, Luka Musa Haruna (SAN), said the judgment effectively left the party without candidates for the 2027 elections at all levels, including the presidency, governorship, Senate and House of Representatives.
However, the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, said the party would appeal the judgment.
The ruling came barely 24 hours after Atiku, whose name had earlier been published by INEC as the ADC presidential candidate, held a campaign rally in Sokoto State.
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