In a significant legal ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has annulled the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, effectively invalidating all actions taken by the committee, including the nomination of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, who found merit in a lawsuit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC. Gombe challenged the legitimacy of the Senator Mark-led Caretaker Committee, which had organized the primary election that resulted in Atiku's candidacy. He argued that following the resignation of the previous National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was entitled to lead the party.

Gombe's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, named several defendants, including the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu. He sought the court's intervention to nullify all actions taken by the Mark-led leadership, asserting that their emergence violated the ADC's constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The court's decision has far-reaching implications, particularly as the presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027. In light of the ruling, the ADC has announced plans to appeal the judgment. Mr. Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, who was later included as an interested party in the case, confirmed that the party intends to challenge the verdict at the appellate court.

This development comes just a day after Atiku Abubakar held a large rally in Sokoto State as part of his campaign efforts for the presidential election. The ruling has raised questions about the future of the ADC and its ability to present a unified front in the upcoming elections, especially with Atiku's candidacy now in jeopardy. As the political landscape evolves, reactions from party members and supporters are expected to unfold in the coming days, potentially impacting the ADC's strategy moving forward.