BREAKING: Federal High Court Abuja has sacked David Mark-led ADC leadership and nullified Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential ticket. Court says Mark committee was illegal. ADC vows to appeal. Atiku had picked Rotimi Amaechi as running mate.
BREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Nullifies Atiku's 2027 Presidential Ticket
In a dramatic twist ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullified all actions taken by the party under that leadership.
This includes the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, 5th November 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu.
What Did The Court Say?
Justice Lifu declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee ILLEGAL.
The court held that the committee lacked the constitutional authority to oversee the party's affairs and conduct the presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer.
The court also:
- Nullified the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, alongside other national officers
- Invalidated the nominations of ALL candidates presented by the ADC for the 2027 general elections
- Directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions reached at the ADC's 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025
According to the plaintiff's lawyer, Luka Musa Haruna (SAN):
"All the actions taken by the ADC as a party since July 27 to date stand annulled."
This means, as it stands, ADC currently has NO validly nominated candidates for any elective position in 2027 - presidency, governorship, Senate and House of Representatives.
Who Took ADC To Court?
The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, HE - not David Mark - was qualified to assume leadership of the party.
He said the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola violated the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.
Suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025
Defendants: ADC, INEC, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Justice Lifu agreed with Gombe and granted all his prayers.
Atiku / Amaechi Ticket Affected
Atiku, whose name had earlier been published by INEC as the ADC presidential candidate for the January 16, 2027 election, had already picked former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
The ruling came barely 24 hours after Atiku held a massive campaign rally in Sokoto State on Wednesday, as part of his mobilisation for 2027.
Atiku was campaigning on restoration of fuel subsidy and reopening of borders.
Has Atiku Been Finally Disqualified? NO - Not Yet
This is important, Boss - explain to your readers:
Atiku has NOT been finally disqualified by INEC.
This is a Federal High Court judgment. It can be appealed.
ADC has already vowed to appeal.
ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was joined as an interested party, said:
"The verdict will be challenged at the Court of Appeal."
ADC insists Mark leadership and Atiku's candidacy remain intact pending appeal.
Until Court of Appeal or Supreme Court gives final decision, Atiku's fate is in limbo.
What Happens Next?
1. ADC will file appeal at Court of Appeal, Abuja
2. ADC may ask for Stay of Execution - to allow Atiku continue campaign while appeal is heard
3. INEC will study Certified True Copy of judgment before taking position - INEC has not yet removed Atiku's name
4. If appeal fails, Atiku will be OUT of 2027 ballot, unless he joins another party before deadline
5. If appeal succeeds, Atiku's ticket is restored
Why This Matters
This is the biggest crisis for opposition in 2027. ADC was built as coalition to challenge APC. If ADC collapses in court, opposition votes will scatter.
Supporters in Sokoto, Adamawa, and across North are in shock.
Imo Media Hub will bring you updates as soon as ADC files appeal and INEC reacts.
What Nigerians Are Saying
Many supporters say this is "internal democracy war" - not from INEC, but from ADC's own leaders fighting for control.
Others say this is political.
What do YOU think? Will Atiku survive this court battle? Drop your comment.
This report originally appeared on Imo Media Hub - www.imomediahub.org. Sources: Vanguard, Channels TV, TheCable, The Sun, Telegraph Nigeria, 5th November 2026.
