The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a judgment that could significantly impact the 2027 general elections. The court declared all actions taken by the Senator David Mark-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as null and void. This includes the nomination of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate. The judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The suit that led to this judgment was brought before the court by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC. Gombe had queried the process through which the Senator Mark-led Committee took over the reins of leadership of the party. He claimed 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 and upheld his claim. Consequently, the court granted his reliefs, which included nullifying all actions taken on behalf of the party by the Senator Mark-led leadership. The defendants listed 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 restrain Senator Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the ADC. He insisted that their emergence violated the party's constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act. The court's verdict could have far-reaching implications for the ADC and the 2027 general elections.
The judgment is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Atiku Abubakar's nomination as the ADC presidential candidate has been voided, and the party may need to revisit its leadership and candidate selection process. The ADC and its leaders will need to consider their next steps in light of this judgment.
The court's decision also raises questions about the legitimacy of the Senator Mark-led leadership of the ADC. The party may need to address concerns about its internal democracy and leadership succession process. This development could also have implications for other political parties and their candidate selection processes.
The ADC has not officially commented on the judgment, but it is expected to review the court's decision and determine its next steps. The party may need to consult with its stakeholders, including its members, leaders, and supporters, to chart a way forward. The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, and this development could significantly impact the electoral fortunes of the ADC and its candidates.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared all actions taken by the Senator David Mark-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as null and void.
- The court's judgment voids the nomination of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
- The judgment could have significant implications for the ADC and the 2027 general elections, particularly with regards to the party's leadership and candidate selection process.
