The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, declaring its actions and decisions invalid.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, also invalidated the party’s presidential primary election that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The suit was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership and argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
The court reportedly upheld the plaintiff’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, effectively nullifying decisions taken by the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
The development comes amid preparations by opposition parties for the 2027 general elections and raises fresh questions about the ADC’s leadership structure and the validity of its presidential ticket.
However, the party has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, with its National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, confirming that the party would pursue an appeal.
The ruling is expected to generate further political and legal developments as the ADC battles to resolve its leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
