ADC Appeals High Court Judgement, Warns INEC Not To Pre-empt Court of Appeal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed an appeal against a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5, 2026. The ruling, which concerns Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, involved Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC. The court had sacked the David Mark leadership of the party. In response, the ADC has also filed an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

According to Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of these steps on November 6. The ADC urged INEC to refrain from taking further action on the subject matter while the appeal is pending. Shaibu emphasized that INEC must respect the judicial process and allow the appellate court to hear the case.

The ADC's appeal and application for a stay of execution are aimed at preventing INEC from prematurely implementing the High Court's ruling. Shaibu stated that the Commission must not act as though the appeal and stay application do not exist. He also stressed that the party is exercising its lawful right to appeal and that the judgment is now under challenge before a higher court.

The ADC has called on its members, supporters, and Nigerians who believe in democracy to remain calm and confident. The party assured that it will continue to pursue its message and mission to make life better for Nigerians. The ADC's campaigns will continue without interruption as they pursue every lawful avenue to defend their rights.

Shaibu expressed confidence that the facts and the law will receive a full hearing. He stated that the ADC will continue to pursue this matter through the courts and stand for a democratic process in which every party and every voter is treated fairly. The party is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that the electoral process is fair and transparent.

The ADC's decision to appeal the High Court's ruling has garnered support from various groups. A coalition of democratic groups has described the judgment as an attack on one opposition party and an attack on all. The ADC's efforts to defend its rights have been seen as a crucial step in protecting the democratic process in Nigeria.

The case is set to be heard by the Court of Appeal, and the ADC is taking every lawful step to defend its rights. The party's leadership has assured its members and supporters that they will not be intimidated or distracted from their responsibility to defend their rights. The ADC remains committed to its mission to make life better for Nigerians and to promoting a fair and transparent democratic process.

Key points

• ADC files appeal against High Court judgment that sacked David Mark leadership
• Party urges INEC to refrain from taking further action while appeal is pending
• ADC confident that facts and law will receive full hearing in Court of Appeal