The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The court also dissolved the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark, invalidating decisions made by the caretaker committee, including the nomination of candidates for the upcoming elections.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.
Court Rules Against ADC Leadership
The case was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC for the North-East, who challenged the process through which David Mark and other officials assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to lead the party.
He also challenged the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, claiming that the leadership transition violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
Justice Lifu upheld the claims and declared the Mark-led caretaker committee improperly constituted.
The court subsequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions made during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025, including subsequent nominations for the 2027 elections.
Atiku’s Presidential Ambition Faces Setback
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whose 2027 presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was voided by a Federal High Court judgment.The judgment represents a significant setback for Atiku, who recently emerged as the ADC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also raises questions about the validity of other candidates presented by the party for governorship, National Assembly and other elective positions.
However, the ruling could still be challenged at higher courts, meaning the legal dispute over the party’s leadership and candidate nominations may not be over.
ADC Plans Appeal
Reacting to the judgment, ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu confirmed that the party would appeal the Federal High Court’s decision.
The development comes barely a day after Atiku launched his presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he promised to tackle insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges confronting Nigerians.
The party’s next legal steps could determine whether its current leadership and candidates retain their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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