Court Invalidates David Mark's ADC Leadership, Affecting Atiku

On November 5, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, declaring its caretaker committee illegal. This judgment voided the primary that selected Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate, with Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was initiated by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who argued that he should have succeeded Ralph Nwosu as chairman. The ruling came just a day after Atiku launched his campaign in Sokoto, with the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The ADC has since appealed the decision, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated that Atiku and Amaechi remain on its candidates’ portal until further notice. Confusion persists regarding Atiku's candidacy status, with Dino Melaye claiming the judgment does not mention him.