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A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and set aside decisions taken under its authority.
The ruling also affects the nomination of other candidates presented by the ADC leadership for the 2027 elections.
The decision represents a major setback for the opposition party, which has emerged as a significant political platform for politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC has rejected the judgment, describing it as an attempt to weaken the opposition. The party has indicated that it will challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
What Led to the Court Dispute?
The dispute centres on the legitimacy of the ADC leadership that emerged after several prominent politicians joined the party in 2025 amid internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Among those who joined the ADC were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark.
Mark subsequently became the party’s interim national chairman as the ADC sought to accommodate the growing number of political figures joining its ranks.
However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman, challenged the process through which Mark and other officials assumed leadership positions.
Gombe argued that the appointments were unlawful because the officials had not been elected at a national convention. He maintained that he was entitled to assume leadership following the resignation of the party’s former chairman.
The latest judgment followed a legal challenge against the Mark-led leadership.
The dispute had previously featured in another court case. In July 2026, Justice Musa Liman ruled in a separate matter that Mark’s emergence was consistent with the relevant laws and the party’s constitution.
The latest decision has therefore raised fresh questions about the legal status of the ADC leadership and the validity of decisions taken under its authority.
ADC Rejects Judgment and Promises Appeal
The ADC has strongly rejected the latest ruling, arguing that it threatens the party’s political progress and the broader opposition movement.
In a statement, the party described the judgment as a calculated attempt to weaken the ADC and frustrate Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.
Atiku also questioned why another case had been brought to reopen a dispute that had previously been addressed by the court.
He expressed concern about the timing of the judgment, which came shortly after a large crowd reportedly welcomed him in Sokoto during a campaign event.
Atiku urged his supporters to remain peaceful and focused, insisting that the opposition would continue its efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
He said Nigerians deserved relief from the rising cost of living and encouraged supporters to continue taking the party’s message to communities across the country.
What Happens to the 2027 Presidential Election?
The ruling has created uncertainty around the ADC’s participation in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Before the judgment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had published its final list of presidential candidates, which included Atiku Abubakar as the ADC candidate and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
However, the court’s decision has now placed the validity of the party’s nominations in question.
If the judgment is upheld on appeal, the ADC could face serious difficulties fielding candidates in the upcoming elections.
The party’s planned appeal will therefore be crucial in determining its political and legal position ahead of the polls.
Peter Obi Expresses Concern Over Ruling
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who is contesting the 2027 election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has also expressed concern over the court’s decision.
Obi, who previously joined the ADC before leaving amid the party’s internal legal challenges, said the ruling raised important questions about democratic competition and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on X under the heading “Do Not Undermine Democracy”, he argued that the country needed certainty ahead of the presidential election.
He also warned against developments that could weaken opposition parties, particularly at a time when democratic governance in parts of West Africa faces significant challenges.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s democracy would be stronger if opposition parties were allowed to operate and compete freely.
A Major Test for Nigeria’s Opposition
The judgment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s opposition parties, with the 2027 presidential election approaching.
The ADC had attracted several influential politicians and was viewed as an important platform for efforts to challenge the ruling APC.
The legal dispute could now complicate its preparations, create uncertainty for its candidates and affect its ability to organise a united campaign.
Although the party has vowed to appeal, the final outcome of the legal battle could have significant implications for the opposition and the wider political contest ahead of the January 2027 election.
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