ADC Rejects Court Ruling Nullifying Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Bid, Vows to Challenge Judgment.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment invalidating its leadership structure and the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, declaring that it will challenge the decision through the appellate courts.
The party described the judgment as a threat to democratic participation and the political rights of its members, insisting that the dispute extends beyond the presidential ambition of Atiku and concerns the electoral future of thousands of its candidates nationwide.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, communicated the party’s position in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
In the statement, titled ‘Lifu Judgment: APC Wants to Set Nigeria on Fire’, the party questioned the timing and implications of the ruling, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party argued that the judgment could undermine the political aspirations of its members and supporters who had chosen the ADC as their platform for contesting elective positions.
ADC Challenges Court’s Decision
The opposition party anchored its objection partly on an earlier Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the ADC, the earlier ruling affirmed the legitimacy of the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership.
The party maintained that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot overturn or review a subsisting judgment delivered by another court of equal jurisdiction.
Consequently, it rejected the latest judgment’s consequential orders, arguing that the ruling failed to adequately consider established legal principles.
However, the ADC acknowledged that it was still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders before determining the full extent of its legal implications.
The party also urged its supporters nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursues available legal remedies.
What the Federal High Court Ruled
The controversy followed a judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the David Mark-led ADC caretaker committee.
The ruling followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the ADC.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership.
The court upheld the plaintiff’s case, holding that the emergence of the Mark led leadership violated the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Lifu also nullified decisions taken under the disputed leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
The judgment further affected the emergence of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and the nominations of other ADC candidates for the 2027 elections.
The court also directed INEC not to recognize or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
Implications for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
The ruling represents a significant legal and political setback for the ADC, which has emerged as a platform for opposition politicians seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
Atiku had already begun preparations for the presidential contest and selected former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
The development therefore raises fresh questions about the party’s leadership, presidential ticket and ability to participate fully in the forthcoming electoral process.
Nevertheless, the judgment remains subject to further judicial proceedings should the ADC successfully pursue an appeal.
The unfolding dispute highlights the importance of internal party democracy, constitutional compliance and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s multiparty political system.
As the 2027 elections approach, the outcome of the ADC’s anticipated legal challenge could have far reaching consequences for opposition unity and the country’s political landscape.