A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, invalidating decisions taken under its leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal. This development has raised questions about the validity of decisions taken under the committee's leadership, including the party's preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Abubakar has vowed to appeal the court's decision, accusing the ruling establishment of attempting to weaken opposition forces and frustrate his presidential ambition. In a statement, Atiku questioned the circumstances surrounding the ruling, insisting that the legal setback would not stop his political ambition or the ADC's campaign. He maintained that the opposition movement would continue despite the judgment, expressing confidence that the decision would be challenged through the appropriate judicial channels.
The suit that led to the court's judgment was instituted by an aggrieved ADC member from Gombe State, who challenged the legality of the Mark-led leadership structure and the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the caretaker committee. Atiku's ADC presidential candidacy for the 2027 election was also invalidated by the court's decision. The ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly regarding its leadership structure and Atiku's presidential ambition.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has denied claims of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s involvement in the legal dispute that led to the court's judgment. However, Bwala criticised the Mark-led executive, accusing its members of taking over the party's leadership undemocratically and violating the ADC constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and provisions of the Electoral Act.
Bwala's comments came amid allegations by Atiku and other opposition figures that the ruling party was seeking to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku and others believe that the court's ruling was connected to concerns over the growing opposition coalition. The ADC has also rejected the court's decision, insisting that Mark and other members of its leadership remain the party's legitimate leaders.
The ADC plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that the legal battle is not over. The party's leadership structure and Atiku's presidential ambition under the party's platform remain uncertain following the court's decision. Atiku's determination to appeal the ruling demonstrates his commitment to his presidential ambition and the ADC's campaign.
The court's ruling has significant implications for the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party must now navigate the uncertainty surrounding its leadership structure and Atiku's presidential candidacy. The development has also raised concerns about the role of the ruling party in opposition politics and the potential impact on the country's democratic landscape.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar plans to appeal the court's decision to nullify the ADC leadership.
- The court's ruling has introduced uncertainty into the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections.
- The ADC leadership structure and Atiku's presidential ambition remain uncertain following the court's decision.
