Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Voids Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ticket

Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Ticket

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress headed by former Senate President David Mark, invalidating its decisions, including the nomination of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, November 5, Justice Peter Lifu declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal. The ruling also invalidated the presidential primary organised by the committee, which produced the former vice-president as the ADC’s flag bearer.

The court further nullified the appointment of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, alongside other national officers, and the nominations of candidates presented by the leadership for the 2027 polls.

The judgment arose from suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, filed by the party’s former Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

Gombe challenged the process through which Mark and the caretaker committee assumed leadership of the ADC, arguing that he was constitutionally entitled to take over following the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.

Meanwhile, the ADC has indicated that it will appeal the judgment.