Nigeria’s political landscape has been shaken by a Federal High Court judgment invalidating the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ruling also nullified the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Abuja.
The court declared the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC illegal. It also invalidated decisions taken by the leadership, including the party’s nomination processes for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment followed a legal challenge filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman.
Gombe argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
He challenged the process through which Mark and other members emerged as party executives. The court upheld his claims and granted the reliefs sought.
ADC Files Appeal, Seeks Suspension of Judgment
Following the ruling, the ADC announced that it had filed an appeal against the Federal High Court’s decision.
The party also applied for a stay of execution, seeking to suspend the judgment’s implementation while the appeal is being considered.
In a statement on Friday, November 6, the party’s campaign communications director, Phrank Shaibu, confirmed the development.
The ADC also notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the appeal and pending application.
It urged the electoral commission to avoid taking further action that could affect the appeal’s outcome.
However, the application for a stay of execution had not been determined as of the latest reports.
The appeal therefore leaves the party’s leadership and electoral position subject to further judicial proceedings.
Atiku Insists He Will Contest in 2027
Despite the legal setback, Atiku Abubakar has maintained that the judgment will not end his presidential ambition.
The former vice-president declared that nothing would prevent him from appearing on the ballot in 2027.
He described the ruling as an attempt to weaken the opposition and restrict Nigerians’ political choices.
Atiku also called on Nigerians and party supporters to remain calm and committed to democratic participation.
His position comes as the ADC continues its legal battle to retain its leadership structure and presidential nomination.
Atiku was Nigeria’s vice-president between 1999 and 2007. He has contested several presidential elections and finished second in the 2023 election.
APC Rejects Allegations of Political Interference
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied involvement in the ADC’s leadership crisis.
The party described the judgment as a consequence of the ADC’s internal disputes.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, urged the opposition party to resolve its problems through lawful procedures.
The APC also rejected suggestions that the judgment represented an attempt to eliminate political opposition.
Meanwhile, some opposition figures have expressed concern about the implications of the ruling.
They argue that prolonged legal disputes could weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
What the Judgment Means for the 2027 Election
The ruling creates uncertainty for the ADC, which has become a platform for several opposition politicians.
If the judgment survives the appeal process, the party could face serious difficulties presenting candidates for the 2027 general elections.
However, the final position will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The dispute also places INEC in a delicate position as the electoral commission prepares for the next general election.
For now, the ADC’s appeal and application for a stay of execution remain central to the unfolding situation.
The coming court decisions could determine the party’s leadership, candidate nominations and participation in the 2027 elections.
As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether Atiku’s presidential ambition survives the legal challenge.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the legal process unfolds.
