The African Democratic Congress has announced its intention to participate in the 2027 general election despite a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party's leadership structure. The party's Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that the party would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels. Ologbondiyan expressed concern about the implications of conflicting court decisions, warning that it could undermine confidence in the judiciary.
Ologbondiyan criticised the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, arguing that it conflicted with an earlier decision by Justice Musa Liman on the party's leadership dispute. He alleged that the judgment was intended to frustrate the party's growing political activities, particularly following its recent campaign rally in Sokoto State. The party's campaign activities had attracted significant public attention, prompting attempts to prevent it from reaching more Nigerians.
The ADC spokesperson questioned why the decision delivered by Justice Liman was allegedly not given due consideration during the proceedings before Justice Lifu. He said that Justice Liman had dismissed a similar matter and that it was abandoned because it would not favour the party. Ologbondiyan also raised concerns about the handling of the case, citing inconsistencies in the actions of some individuals involved in the process.
The party had earlier petitioned the Chief Judge over its concerns about Justice Lifu's handling of the matter, expressing a lack of confidence in the court. Ologbondiyan stated that the party would pursue legal remedies and would not support any attempt to destabilise the country. The judgment had triggered anxiety among supporters and Nigerians who had invested time and resources in the party's political activities.
The leadership crisis in the ADC followed a suit filed by former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which former Senate President David Mark and other members of the party's leadership assumed office. On November 5, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against the Mark-led leadership and nullified decisions taken under it.
The ADC has cited an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, which upheld the party's leadership structure. Ologbondiyan expressed concern about the implications of conflicting court decisions, warning that it could undermine confidence in the judiciary. He reiterated that the party would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels.
The African Democratic Congress is determined to participate in the 2027 general election, despite the court ruling nullifying its leadership structure. The party's spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, has assured Nigerians that the party will follow a legal process to resolve the issue. The party's supporters and Nigerians who have invested time and resources in its political activities are anxiously waiting for the outcome.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress will challenge the court ruling nullifying its leadership structure through all available legal channels.
