A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate President, David Mark, in a ruling that also invalidated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, also nullified the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, alongside other appointments and decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the nomination of candidates for elective positions.

The court further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on 27 July 2025.

The judgment followed a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mr Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Mr Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership.

Upholding his case, Justice Lifu held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), said the judgment nullified all actions taken by the Mark-led leadership since July 2025.

Another counsel, Luka Musa Haruna (SAN), said the ruling effectively left the ADC without recognised candidates for the 2027 presidential, governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.

Atiku vows to challenge judgment

Reacting to the ruling, Mr Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken the opposition and frustrate his presidential ambition.

In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice-President questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after his campaign rally in Sokoto State.

He said the decision was part of an alleged strategy to weaken his political support in Northern Nigeria and frustrate his nationwide campaign.

Mr Atiku also challenged the legal basis of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which he said had upheld the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.

He vowed to challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal, insisting that his presidential campaign would continue.

Gombe rejects reconciliation

Meanwhile, Mr Gombe ruled out immediate reconciliation with the Mark-led faction, insisting that the judgment had affirmed his position as the legitimate National Chairman of the ADC.

He urged Mr Atiku and Mr Mark to register as members of the party in their respective wards before seeking to participate in its activities.

Mr Gombe also directed governorship and other candidates nominated under his leadership to resume their campaigns, describing them as the authentic ADC candidates.

ADC, opposition parties condemn ruling

The ADC Presidential Campaign Council dismissed the judgment as an attempt to cripple the opposition, saying it would challenge the decision through available legal channels.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the ruling’s consistency with an earlier judgment by Justice Liman, arguing that a court of coordinate jurisdiction could not overturn the decision of another court of equal jurisdiction.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement also expressed concern over the implications of the judgment, urging the Federal Government to protect political pluralism and calling on INEC to remain impartial.

Similarly, the Social Democratic Party, Labour Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Allied Peoples Movement condemned the ruling, warning that it could undermine democratic competition and restrict voters’ choices.

The presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, also expressed concern, saying uncertainty over political parties and candidates close to an election could undermine the electoral process.

He maintained that voters, rather than court disputes, should ultimately determine who leads the country.

Keyamo defends judgment

However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended the court’s decision, accusing the Mark-led faction of unlawfully taking over the ADC without securing the necessary approval of the party’s National Executive Committee or a mini national convention.

Mr Keyamo maintained that the party’s crisis resulted from the actions of its leadership and should not be blamed on the ruling APC.

Atiku continues campaign in Kebbi

Despite the legal setback, Mr Atiku proceeded with his presidential campaign in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he pledged to restore fuel subsidy and tackle insecurity if elected president in 2027.

He described the forthcoming election as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Former Senate President David Mark urged Kebbi residents to support the ADC, including Mr Atiku and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who is the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

The ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, also criticised the Tinubu administration over its handling of economic hardship and insecurity.

The campaign rally attracted party leaders and supporters from Kebbi and other states, with Mr Mark presenting the party’s flag to Mr Malami.