Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has taken a major turn after the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, 5 November 2026, nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, also affected other candidates nominated by the opposition party for the 2027 general elections, raising uncertainty over its ability to participate in the polls.
According to reports by Punch and Channels Television, the court ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Mark was not lawfully constituted.
The decision also invalidated the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary and the appointments of other national officers.
The ruling represents a serious challenge for the ADC, which has positioned itself as an opposition force against President Bola Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the legal dispute is far from over, with the ADC rejecting the judgment and announcing plans to challenge it through the courts.
How the ADC leadership dispute began
The case arose from a disagreement over who was legally entitled to lead the party following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, brought the case before the Federal High Court, challenging the circumstances under which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed leadership.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe argued that the party’s constitution entitled him to take over its leadership after Nwosu’s departure.
He therefore asked the court to declare the Mark-led leadership unlawful and prevent its officials from continuing to act in their respective positions.
The ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu were named as defendants.
Justice Lifu upheld the challenge, finding that the process through which the disputed leadership emerged breached the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
The court further directed INEC not to recognise or implement decisions made at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on 27 July 2025.
Court ruling threatens ADC candidates nationwide
The implications extend beyond Atiku’s presidential ambition.
The judgment also invalidated nominations made under the disputed leadership for other elective positions, including governorship seats and membership of the National Assembly.
Speaking after the judgment, Gombe’s lawyer, Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, maintained that the ruling had effectively cancelled actions taken by the Mark-led leadership since July 2025.
Another lawyer representing the claimant, Luka Musa Haruna, SAN, argued that the judgment left the party without valid candidates for the forthcoming elections.
If the ruling survives an appeal and remains enforceable, it could severely affect the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
However, the party’s final electoral position will depend on subsequent judicial decisions and how INEC implements the applicable court orders.
ADC rejects ruling, prepares appeal
The opposition party has rejected the decision, describing it as legally questionable and warning that it could undermine political participation ahead of the elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that a previous judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court on 2 July 2026 had already upheld the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.
According to the party, that earlier ruling, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, also directed INEC to recognise its leadership.
The ADC contended that another judge of the same court could not overturn an existing judgment of equal jurisdiction.
It also accused the ruling APC of seeking to weaken the opposition, although that allegation has not been independently established.
The party said it was awaiting a certified true copy of Thursday’s judgment to examine its precise terms before pursuing further legal action.
Its decision to appeal means the leadership dispute could move to a higher court, where the validity and consequences of the ruling may be reconsidered.
Atiku vows to continue presidential campaign
Atiku has also rejected the decision, insisting that his presidential campaign will continue despite the legal setback.
In a statement issued through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the former Vice-President questioned the timing of the judgment.
The ruling came barely 24 hours after Atiku held a campaign rally in Sokoto State as part of his preparations for the 2027 election.
Atiku alleged that the development was intended to weaken his campaign, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he is seeking to strengthen his political support.
He maintained that the leadership dispute had already been addressed in an earlier court proceeding and confirmed plans to challenge the latest decision at the Court of Appeal.
The former Vice-President also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and continue their political activities.
His campaign said it would proceed with planned engagements across the country despite the uncertainty surrounding his nomination.
What happens next for Atiku and the ADC?
The immediate question is whether the opposition party can overturn the judgment before it seriously affects its participation in the 2027 elections.
The ADC’s appeal could become one of the most consequential legal battles ahead of the presidential contest, particularly because the decision affects not just its presidential candidate but other contestants nationwide.
Attention will also turn to INEC, which is responsible for implementing valid court orders affecting political parties and their candidates.
A further complication is the ADC’s claim that an earlier Federal High Court judgment recognised the Mark-led leadership. The relationship between the two decisions could become central to the appeal.
For the ruling APC, the latest development comes as opposition parties prepare to challenge Tinubu’s bid for another term.
However, it remains uncertain whether the legal dispute will weaken the ADC permanently or be resolved in time for the elections.
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