Court Nullifies David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Threatens Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambition

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly invalidated the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring that decisions and actions taken by the disputed leadership on behalf of the party have no legal standing.

The ruling has potentially far-reaching implications for the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the ADC’s flagbearer through a primary organised by the Mark-led leadership.

The judgment was reportedly delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu following a legal challenge instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC representing the North-East.

Gombe had approached the court to challenge the process that produced the Mark-led leadership, arguing that he was constitutionally entitled to take over as National Chairman following the resignation of the party’s former chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

He subsequently asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the disputed leadership and prevent Senator Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff argued that the emergence of the two political figures violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

In its reported decision, the court upheld Gombe’s arguments and granted the reliefs sought, effectively stripping the Mark-led Caretaker Committee of its authority to act on behalf of the party.

The development has placed the validity of decisions taken by the committee under fresh legal scrutiny, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku as the ADC candidate for the 2027 elections.

The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Atiku’s candidacy had earlier been reflected in INEC’s published list of presidential candidates. He had also announced former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

However, the court’s decision could trigger further legal disputes over the status of the ADC presidential ticket and other political arrangements concluded under the disputed leadership.

ADC Announces Plan to Challenge Ruling

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has indicated its intention to appeal the judgment, signalling that the leadership dispute may continue through the judicial process.

The party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was subsequently joined in the proceedings as an interested party, confirmed that the ADC would challenge the ruling before the appellate court.

The development comes less than 24 hours after Atiku participated in a campaign rally in Sokoto State as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The unfolding legal battle presents a fresh challenge for the ADC as it seeks to consolidate its political structure and position itself as a major contender in the forthcoming presidential election.