Breaking: Court sacks Mark-led ADC Exco, voids Atiku’s candidacy
Federal Court Rules Against ADC Leadership, Invalidates Key Actions
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring all actions taken by this group on behalf of the party to be invalid.
Among the invalidated actions is the nomination of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Atiku, who was named by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate, has selected former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
In a judgment delivered Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu found the Senator Mark-led Caretaker Committee’s organization of the primary election that nominated Atiku to be unlawful. The ruling followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the legitimacy of the committee’s leadership transition.
Gombe argued that he was qualified to lead the party following the resignation of former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu. He sought to nullify all actions taken by the Mark-led leadership in light of what he described as constitutional violations.
The case, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, included the ADC, INEC, Senator Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants. Gombe also requested that the court prohibit Mark and Aregbesola from representing themselves as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and electoral regulations.
The court’s decision supports Gombe’s claims and grants his requested reliefs, a ruling that may lead to significant repercussions in the political landscape ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
In response to the ruling, the ADC has announced plans to appeal the decision. Mr. Nkemakolam Ukandu, the party’s National Welfare Secretary, who was later included as an interested party, stated that the verdict would be contested in the appellate court.
This development follows closely on the heels of Atiku’s recent large rally in Sokoto State, part of his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
