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The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, declaring invalid all actions taken by the party’s caretaker committee.
The ruling also invalidates the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while ruling on a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East).
Gombe had challenged the emergence of the David Mark-led leadership, arguing that following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership.
He consequently asked the court to nullify decisions and actions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including its emergence as the party’s national executives.
The defendants in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, included the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu.
The plaintiff also sought an order restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
Upholding Gombe’s claims, the court declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, effectively invalidating the committee’s actions, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku.
The development presents a major setback for the opposition party ahead of the 2027 presidential election scheduled for January 16.
However, the ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the appellate court.
The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, confirmed that the leadership would appeal the decision.
The judgment comes barely a day after Atiku held a campaign rally in Sokoto State as part of his preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
