The African Democratic Congress has rejected the Federal High Court judgment nullifying its National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, describing the decision as a threat to democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party announced that it would challenge the ruling through all available judicial processes, insisting that the decision raised serious concerns about the political rights of its members and candidates.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5.
The reaction followed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the Mark-led leadership and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The court’s decision also affected the nomination of other ADC candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 elections.
The ADC argued that the judgment could have far-reaching consequences beyond the presidential contest, potentially affecting thousands of party members who had already begun preparations for elections into governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.
According to the party, the timing of the judgment was particularly concerning because it came barely a day after Atiku’s campaign launch in Sokoto State, where supporters gathered to demonstrate their support for the opposition platform.
The party questioned the legal basis of the ruling, particularly in relation to an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court.
The ADC maintained that the earlier judgment had affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed INEC to recognise its leadership.
It argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction should not overturn or review the decision of another court of equal standing.
The party said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment to establish its precise terms and the specific orders made by the court.
It also insisted that the matter would be pursued through the judicial system, expressing confidence that the appellate courts would consider its arguments.
The ADC’s position has further intensified the political controversy surrounding its leadership, with party members concerned about the possible impact on their participation in the next general election.
The dispute is particularly important because opposition parties are expected to play a major role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a platform capable of bringing together politicians seeking an alternative to the ruling APC.
However, the leadership crisis has created divisions within the party and raised questions about the stability of its internal structures.
The ruling APC has denied responsibility for the dispute, describing it as an internal problem within the ADC.
The development has also attracted reactions from other political stakeholders, some of whom have expressed concern that prolonged legal battles could weaken opposition participation.
For now, the ADC says it will continue pursuing its legal options while urging members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.
The outcome of the anticipated appeal will be important in determining the party’s leadership structure and the legal status of its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
