What Next for Atiku as Court Nullifies ADC Nomination, Sacks Mark

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, invalidating all actions taken by the leadership, including the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The ruling has thrown Atiku’s presidential ambition under the ADC platform into uncertainty, raising questions about the party’s leadership, its preparations for the 2027 elections and the status of its presidential ticket.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee illegal and upheld the claims of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party, who challenged the process through which the committee assumed control of the party.

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Gombe had approached the court following the resignation of the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu, arguing that he was entitled to take over its leadership.

He asked the court to nullify all actions taken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff argued that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.

Listed as defendants in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, were the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu.

The judgment came barely a day after the ADC flagged off its presidential campaign in Sokoto State on Wednesday, with Atiku expected to lead the party’s bid for the presidency in 2027.

However, the party has vowed to challenge the ruling at the appellate court.

Reacting to the judgment, the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was subsequently joined as an interested party in the case, said the party would appeal the decision.

The outcome of the appeal and any subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the party’s leadership and the validity of decisions taken under the Mark-led committee, including Atiku’s nomination.