The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark, invalidating all decisions and actions taken by the party’s caretaker committee.
The ruling also affects the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgement on Thursday, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal, ruling against the process through which the committee assumed control of the party and conducted the presidential primary that produced Atiku.
In the judgment, Justice Lifu held that the Senator Mark-led executives, who nominated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, acted illegally.
The court found merit in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party.
Mr Gombe had challenged the process through which the Senator Mark-led Committee assumed leadership of the party.
He argued that he was qualified to take over the leadership following the resignation of the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
He prayed the court to nullify all actions taken on behalf of the party by the Senator Mark-led leadership.
While also urging the court to restrain Senator Mark and Aregbesola from assuming the roles of National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively. They argued this violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The court upheld the plaintiff’s claim and granted reliefs.
