The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has removed its David Mark-led leadership and invalidated the party’s presidential ticket held by Atiku Abubakar.
The court also nullified the positions of other national officers and the party’s candidates for the elections. The decision followed a leadership dispute brought before the court by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, North-East, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee illegal. He ruled that the committee lacked the authority to conduct the party’s presidential primary.
The judge specifically described it as “Mark-led Caretaker Committee, which conducted the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as its flag bearer,” and declared it illegal.
The ruling also affected National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and other party officials.
Furthermore, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard decisions from the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting.
The meeting took place on July 27, 2025. The directive also covers subsequent actions, including the nomination of candidates for the 2027 elections.
Gombe had approached the court, arguing that he was entitled to lead the party after former chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned.
He challenged the emergence of Mark and other officials, claiming their appointment violated the ADC Constitution and Electoral Act.
Following the judgment, Gombe’s lawyer, Lukman Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the party’s actions since July 27, 2025, “stand annulled.”
Another senior lawyer, Luka Haruna, said the ruling leaves the ADC “without candidates for any elective position in the 2027 elections, from the presidency to the governorship, Senate and House of Assembly.”
However, the party has rejected the decision and plans to challenge it. ADC Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu confirmed that the party would appeal.
The ADC leadership crisis began after prominent politicians joined the party in preparation for the 2027 elections. They included Atiku, Mark, Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Federal High Court to conclude the case. Therefore, the latest ruling could face further appeals before the final decision.
