ADC Faces Crisis as Court Nullifies David Mark's Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing a significant political and legal crisis following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the leadership of David Mark and invalidated decisions made under his tenure, including the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 general elections. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, declaring the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal.

This ruling is a result of a prolonged leadership struggle within the party, marked by competing claims, constitutional disagreements, and court battles. The coalition of opposition politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, had chosen the ADC as their platform for the 2027 elections, formally unveiling it on July 2, 2025.

However, the transition to Mark's leadership faced opposition from Nafiu Bala Gombe, who argued that the process violated the party's constitution. The conflict escalated to legal proceedings when Bala filed a case at the Federal High Court on September 2, 2025, challenging the legitimacy of the new leadership.