The opposition party describes the Federal High Court judgment as a threat to democratic participation, insists an earlier ruling recognised David Mark’s leadership and says it will challenge the decision through all available legal channels.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of its National Working Committee (NWC), led by former Senate President David Mark, and invalidating the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party declared that it would challenge the ruling through every available legal avenue, insisting that the decision raises serious concerns about the democratic rights of its members and thousands of candidates seeking elective positions across the country.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, titled, ‘Lifu Judgment: APC Wants to Set Nigeria on Fire’.

The ADC also questioned the timing of the judgment, suggesting that it came at a critical period when political activities were gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences beyond the political ambitions of Atiku and Mark, potentially affecting the participation of thousands of its members in the forthcoming elections.

The party expressed concern that the judgment could undermine the political aspirations of Nigerians who had chosen to identify with the ADC and its candidates.

“This is not about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their own leaders. It is about the rights of thousands of candidates to participate in a democratic process,” the statement said.

The ADC further argued that the latest ruling appeared to conflict with an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on July 2, 2026, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.

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According to the party, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise its leadership.

It maintained that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review or overturn a subsisting judgment delivered by another court of equal jurisdiction.

The party consequently questioned the legal foundation of Thursday’s ruling, insisting that any consequential orders arising from what it described as a flawed judicial determination would be challenged.

“The ADC, therefore, rejects any consequential orders founded on a determination that appears to disregard these fundamental legal principles,” Abdullahi stated.

However, the party disclosed that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to establish the precise terms, scope and operative orders of the court before taking further legal steps.

The ADC also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties through what it described as questionable judicial interventions.

It warned that political tensions could escalate if democratic institutions were perceived as being used to frustrate opposition participation.

“The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party. Nobody should be so desperate to retain power that they are prepared to put the entire country at risk,” the statement added.

The party challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to allow a competitive political environment ahead of the next general elections, arguing that a government confident in its performance should have no reason to fear opposition parties.

It also urged the judiciary to protect democratic principles and avoid actions that could undermine Nigerians' confidence in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the ADC appealed to its supporters and members nationwide to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the party pursues its legal options.

Background: Why the Court Nullified ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Thursday nullified the leadership of the David Mark-led ADC and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including the process that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for 2027.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Justice Lifu held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The court also directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party's 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), said the ruling invalidated actions taken by the Mark-led leadership since July 2025.

Another lawyer representing the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna (SAN), argued that the judgment effectively left the ADC without candidates for the 2027 presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

With the ADC now vowing to appeal, the legal battle over the party's leadership and its preparations for the 2027 elections appears far from over.

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