A Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice Peter Lifu, has sacked the Senator David Mark-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The court also invalidated all actions taken by the executives on behalf of the party, including the nomination of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This development may impact the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
The court's decision was based on a suit brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party. Gombe had questioned the process through which the Senator Mark-led Committee took over the party's leadership. He argued that with the resignation of the former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was qualified to assume the party's leadership. The court found merit in Gombe's suit.
The Senator Mark-led Caretaker Committee of the ADC organised a primary election that produced Atiku as the party's presidential flag bearer. However, the court declared this committee illegal. Atiku's name was earlier published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate for the presidential poll. He has since chosen a former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
The court upheld Gombe's claim and granted his reliefs. The verdict may spark a chain of reactions in the polity, given the proximity to the presidential election. The ADC has already vowed to appeal the judgment. Listed as defendants in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, were the ADC, INEC, Senator Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Gombe had prayed the court to nullify all actions taken on behalf of the party by the Senator Mark-led leadership. He also urged the court to restrain Senator Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the ADC. The plaintiff insisted that their emergence violated the party's constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, Mr. Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was later joined as an interested party in the matter, said the verdict would be challenged at the appellate court. The ADC's decision to appeal the judgment may lead to further litigation and uncertainty surrounding Atiku's candidacy.
The court's decision has significant implications for the 2027 presidential election. With Atiku's candidacy now voided, the ADC may need to conduct a new primary election to choose a replacement candidate. The party's leadership and INEC will need to navigate this development to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Key points
- The court's decision voids Atiku Abubakar's presidential candidacy for the 2027 general elections.
- The ADC plans to appeal the judgment.
- The development may impact the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
