A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former President of the Senate David Mark. The ruling also invalidates the process through which former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Peter Lifu declared that the Mark-led leadership acted unlawfully in assuming control of the party and taking decisions on its behalf, including the nomination of Atiku as its presidential flagbearer.
The court upheld the claims of former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC (North-East) Nafiu Bala Gombe, who had challenged the process that brought the Mark-led leadership into office.
The NDC faced a challenge to its registration after a Federal High Court in Lokoja, in June 2026, set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party, which argued that it was excluded from the original proceedings despite having an interest in the dispute.
The latest judgment comes barely 24 hours after Atiku’s Presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, promising an end to insecurity and hunger if elected president. He also called on Nigerians to turn out in large numbers on election day and vote for the ADC, expressing confidence in the party’s political mission.
