JUST IN: Abuja court nullifies Mark-led ADC leadership, throws Atiku’s candidacy into uncertainty

By Oluwatosin Haruna

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark, in a ruling that could complicate the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the party.

Gombe had challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership, arguing that the process violated the ADC constitution and relevant electoral provisions.

The plaintiff reportedly maintained that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the position of National Chairman following the resignation of former party chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

The court’s decision invalidates the Mark-led leadership structure and raises questions about the validity of decisions taken under its authority.

Among the major issues arising from the judgment is the status of the party’s presidential ticket, which produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 elections.

Although the ruling has cast uncertainty over the process that produced Atiku’s nomination, its precise implications for the presidential ticket will depend on the terms of the court order and any subsequent appeal.

The judgment also reportedly favours Gombe’s claim to the party’s leadership, while the Mark-led faction is expected to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

The development presents a fresh legal challenge for the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with the party potentially facing further disputes over its leadership, internal decisions and presidential candidacy.