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The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring its emergence illegal and nullifying all actions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, upheld the claims of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

The ruling deals a major blow to the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, particularly following Atiku’s emergence as its presidential flag bearer and his subsequent choice of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

Atiku’s name had earlier been published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s presidential candidate for the forthcoming election.

However, the court’s decision has thrown the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure and its presidential ticket into uncertainty.

Gombe had approached the court following the resignation of the ADC’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, arguing that he was constitutionally qualified to assume the party’s leadership as the former National Deputy Chairman (North-East).

He challenged the takeover of the party by the Mark-led caretaker committee, insisting that the process violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the plaintiff sought an order restraining Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

He also asked the court to nullify decisions and actions taken by the disputed leadership on behalf of the party.

Other defendants in the suit were the ADC, INEC and Nwosu.

Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s arguments, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

The judgment effectively invalidates the authority under which the committee conducted party affairs, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku as its candidate.

The development is expected to trigger fresh political manoeuvres within the opposition party, with the 2027 presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The ruling also raises questions about the future of the ADC’s presidential ticket, its alliance arrangements and the status of other decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership.

Reacting to the judgment, the ADC said it would appeal the decision, signalling a potentially prolonged legal battle over the party’s leadership and its preparations for the next general election.

The Traffic NG
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar David Mark
Amarachi Ihesiulo

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

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