BREAKING: Fresh Setback for ADC As Court Sacks David Mark-Led Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a major setback following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Thursday nullified the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led ADC executive and declared all actions taken by the committee on behalf of the party invalid.
Among the decisions affected is the presidential primary that produced Atiku as the ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment followed a legal challenge instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the party from the North-East, who questioned the legality of the process that brought the Mark-led leadership into office.
Gombe argued that he was entitled to assume the position of National Chairman following the resignation of former chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.
He asked the court to invalidate the actions of the Mark-led leadership and restrain Senator Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from continuing to present themselves as the party’s National Chairman and Secretary.
The plaintiff contended that the emergence of the duo contravened the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.
In its ruling, the court upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs sought.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had the ADC, INEC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu listed as defendants.
The decision could throw the ADC’s 2027 presidential campaign into uncertainty, particularly as Atiku’s name had already been published by INEC as the party’s candidate.
Atiku had also announced former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate and recently held a major campaign rally in Sokoto State, barely a day before the court’s decision.
However, the party has rejected the setback as the final outcome of the legal battle.
The ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, confirmed that the party would appeal the judgment at the appellate court.
The ruling comes as political parties intensify preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
