2027: Court ruling rattles ADC, threatens Atiku’s presidential bid

The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress leadership deepened on Thursday after the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the National Working Committee led by former Senate President, David Mark, in a ruling that also invalidated the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, also nullified the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, and other decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the nomination of candidates for elective offices. The court further ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025.

While Atiku vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken the opposition ahead of the elections, the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe hailed the judgment as a victory and declared that the Mark-led ADC had no valid candidates for the 2027 polls.

Gombe also ruled out immediate reconciliation with Mark and Atiku, asking them to register as members of the party in their respective wards before seeking to participate in its affairs.

The ruling triggered widespread condemnation from opposition parties and political figures, who warned that the development could shrink the democratic space and undermine electoral competition. However, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo defended the judgment, blaming the Mark-led camp for the crisis and insisting that the dispute was a consequence of its actions.

Atiku, who was in Kebbi State on Thursday for his campaign rally, nevertheless vowed to continue his presidential bid, pledging to restore fuel subsidy and tackle insecurity if elected.

The court also nullified the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, as well as the appointments of other national officers and the party’s nominations for the 2027 elections.

The judgment followed a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership.

He asked the court to invalidate the actions of the Mark-led leadership and restrain Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary.

The ADC, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu were listed as defendants.

Upholding Gombe’s case, 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.