Federal High Court Nullifies Atiku’s Candidacy, Sacks ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and removed the party’s national leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the caretaker committee led by Mark was improperly constituted, rendering its decisions and actions invalid.

The ruling also affected the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, other national officers, and candidates nominated by the ADC for the 2027 general elections.

Court Orders INEC to Disregard ADC Decisions

Justice Lifu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025, or subsequent actions arising from the disputed leadership arrangement.

The judgment followed a lawsuit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC for the North-East.

Gombe challenged the process through which David Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed leadership of the party.

He argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was entitled to assume the party’s leadership under its constitution.

The plaintiff consequently sought the invalidation of decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, arguing that its emergence violated the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The court upheld his claims and granted the requested reliefs.

Implications for the 2027 General Elections

The judgment has significant implications for the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

It invalidates the party’s nominations under the disputed leadership, including Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ticket.

However, the legal dispute may not be concluded, as the decision remains subject to appeal.

If upheld by higher courts, the ruling could prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in the affected elections.

ADC Plans to Appeal Judgment

Reacting to the ruling, the ADC’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, indicated that the party would challenge the judgment at the appellate court.

The development marks another stage in the leadership dispute that has affected the ADC since the emergence of the David Mark-led leadership in 2025.

The dispute has previously involved proceedings at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

The outcome of any further appeal will be important in determining the party’s leadership and participation in the 2027 general elections.