Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, in a ruling that also invalidated the party's leadership and nominations for other elective positions.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, following a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who challenged the legitimacy of the party's leadership structure under former Senate President David Mark.

Gombe had questioned the process through which Mark and other officials assumed control of the party, arguing that their emergence did not follow the ADC's constitution and relevant legal provisions.

In its decision, the court declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and set aside the actions taken by the leadership from July 27, 2025. These included the process that produced Atiku as the party's presidential flag bearer, the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and the nomination of other ADC candidates for the 2027 elections.

The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the party's 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025, and subsequent actions arising from it.

The ruling has created fresh uncertainty for the ADC, which had positioned itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections. The decision affects not only its presidential ticket but also candidates seeking to contest governorship, legislative and other elective positions under the party.

Reacting to the judgment, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken the opposition and frustrate his presidential ambition. He questioned the timing of the decision, which came shortly after the ADC held a major campaign rally in Sokoto State.

The former Vice-President, however, maintained that the ruling would not bring his political ambition to an end and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

The ADC also rejected the judgment, describing it as politically motivated and arguing that it conflicted with an earlier Federal High Court decision concerning the party's leadership. The party said it would pursue the available legal options to challenge the ruling.

Meanwhile, the faction led by Bala Gombe welcomed the decision, maintaining that the Mark-led leadership had no valid authority to make decisions on behalf of the party.

The development has also attracted criticism from other opposition political groups. The Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement expressed concern that the ruling could further weaken opposition participation and competition ahead of the next general election.

Despite the legal setback, Atiku continued his political engagements, taking his campaign to Kebbi State on Thursday after the court delivered its judgment.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria's Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, was the runner-up in the 2023 presidential election. His emergence as the ADC's candidate had been part of efforts to build a stronger opposition platform ahead of the 2027 polls.

The latest judgment does not end the dispute, as the ADC has indicated its intention to appeal. The outcome of the appellate proceedings could determine whether the party's leadership and the nominations made under it will stand as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.

© 2026 Aliu Azeema |

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