Court Invalidates ADC's Leadership and Atiku's Candidacy

On November 7, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ruled that the caretaker committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, was illegal. This ruling also nullified the nomination of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate.

The judgment stemmed from a suit filed by Alhaji Nafiu Bala Gombe, the former national deputy chairman (north-east) of the ADC. The court declared all actions taken by the Mark-led committee as null and void, meaning the ADC currently lacks a presidential candidate and cannot participate in the 2027 general elections.

The ADC has announced plans to appeal the ruling, which they claim is a politically motivated attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine opposition. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, criticized the timing of the judgment, while Olorogun Festus Keyamo of the APC defended the court's decision, emphasizing that legal outcomes are based on facts and evidence.