The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring its actions on behalf of the party invalid, including the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday while ruling on a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the ADC.

Gombe had approached the court following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, arguing that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the leadership in his capacity as the next-ranking official.

He consequently challenged the emergence of the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, insisting that the process violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the plaintiff sought an order nullifying all decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership and restraining Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

Other defendants in the suit were the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Upholding the plaintiff’s claims, Justice Lifu granted the reliefs sought, effectively invalidating the actions of the Mark-led leadership, including the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer.

Atiku’s name had earlier been published by INEC as the ADC presidential candidate, while the former Vice-President had reportedly selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

The ruling has thrown fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly over the validity of its leadership structure and presidential ticket, ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

However, the party has vowed to challenge the judgment.

Reacting to the development, the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was later joined in the matter as an interested party, said the party would appeal the ruling at the appellate court.

The proposed appeal is expected to determine the next phase of the legal battle over the ADC leadership and the status of its presidential candidate.