ADC Files Appeal Against Judgment That Ousted David Mark Leadership
The African Democratic Congress has challenged a Federal High Court ruling that nullified its leadership structure, seeking to block execution of the decision.
On November 5, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a ruling that dissolved the National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress, which Senator David Mark had headed. The party has since petitioned the Court of Appeal to overturn this decision.
Simultaneously, it has sought a stay of execution to halt enforcement of the judgment pending appellate review. The court had determined that a faction under former National Deputy Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe constitutes the party's authentic leadership structure.
On November 6, the ADC submitted formal notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding both its appeal and its application for a stay. Through this communication, party officials requested that INEC adopt a cautious approach and abstain from implementing the original judgment until the appellate tribunal issues its own determination.
The ADC's position holds that the electoral body must honor the judicial process underway and refrain from any measures that might influence how the Court of Appeal resolves the matter. This internal party conflict arises as the 2027 general election approaches.
Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice-President and was the ADC's 2023 presidential nominee, has signaled his readiness to run once more. He has declared unequivocally that participation in the ballot will proceed without impediment from any other factor.
The original court order had also invalidated every step undertaken by the Mark-controlled leadership body, pronouncing such measures to be both unlawful and unconstitutional. The stay request submitted by the ADC has yet to receive a ruling as of the November 6 statement released publicly.
According to party communications, INEC should recognize that the existence alone of an appeal and stay motion should deter the electoral commission from enforcing the judgment. The relevant legal action is catalogued under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, with the ADC and Gombe named as the primary parties to the dispute.
