Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are facing fresh political and legal uncertainty following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s David Mark-led national leadership and the process that produced Atiku as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC.
Gombe had challenged the emergence of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
He argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume leadership of the party.
Upholding the suit, Justice Lifu declared the Mark-led leadership illegal and nullified the decisions taken under its administration, including the nomination of candidates for the 2027 elections.
The ruling also affected the process that produced Atiku as the ADC presidential candidate, creating uncertainty over the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.
Reacting to the judgment, Atiku condemned the decision and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of attempting to weaken the opposition and frustrate his presidential ambition.
He, however, vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, insisting that his campaign would continue despite the legal setback.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council also rejected the judgment, describing it as an attempt to undermine the opposition and warning that its implications could affect thousands of candidates nominated under the Mark-led leadership.
The party further questioned the ruling’s relationship with an earlier judgment delivered by another Federal High Court judge concerning the ADC leadership dispute.
Meanwhile, the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe welcomed the judgment, insisting that the Mark-led leadership had no constitutional authority to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections.
Gombe also ruled out immediate reconciliation with the Mark-led faction, urging its members, including Atiku, to register officially with the party through their respective wards.
The development has thrown the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections into uncertainty as the party considers its legal options.
Atiku’s legal team is expected to challenge the judgment and seek relief from the appellate court. The outcome of the proceedings could determine the future of the party’s leadership and its candidates ahead of the general elections.
ALSO READ:https://vistaonenews.com/2026/11/05/group-urges-fg-to-increase-funding-for-neglected-diseases/
Leave a comment