The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that reportedly invalidated the leadership of its David Mark-led faction and affected the party’s position on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy.
The opposition party described the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja as a threat to democratic competition, accusing those behind the legal challenge of attempting to weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the timing of the judgment, which came less than 24 hours after the party held a campaign rally in Sokoto.
Abdullahi alleged that the decision had been prepared earlier but was delivered shortly after the rally, which he said attracted considerable public support.
He argued that the development raised concerns about the use of judicial proceedings to undermine political organisations gaining momentum ahead of the elections.
ADC raises concerns over impact on its candidates
The party warned that the ruling could have consequences beyond its national leadership and presidential ambitions.
According to Abdullahi, thousands of ADC members seeking elective positions at local government, state and federal levels could be affected by the legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership.
He maintained that the dispute should not be viewed simply as a disagreement involving David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.
Instead, he described it as a broader question concerning the ability of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process and choose their preferred political leaders.
The party also rejected suggestions that the judgment should be treated as the final word on its leadership, insisting that it would pursue every available legal option.
ADC cites earlier Federal High Court ruling
In challenging the latest decision, the party referred to an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Abdullahi identified the earlier case as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, saying it recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
He argued that the latest ruling raised serious legal questions because courts of equal jurisdiction generally cannot sit on appeal over decisions delivered by one another.
According to the party, a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot simply review, vary or overturn a subsisting judgment of another court of the same level.
However, ADC said it was still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the latest judgment to establish the exact orders made by the court and determine the appropriate legal response.
Party accuses authorities of weakening opposition
The ADC further alleged that the development reflected a recurring pattern in which legal disputes were used to create instability within opposition political parties.
It called on the judiciary to protect its independence and resist any attempt to involve the courts in partisan political struggles.
Abdullahi insisted that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must remain accessible to all political parties, regardless of their strength or electoral ambitions.
He also urged Nigerians to pay attention to developments surrounding the party, arguing that the dispute had implications for political participation and electoral competition.
ADC urges members to remain calm
Despite its rejection of the ruling, the party appealed to its members across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
It said its leadership would rely on established judicial procedures to challenge the decision rather than resorting to actions that could undermine public order.
The latest development adds another layer to the leadership dispute surrounding the ADC, with potential implications for the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The legal position is expected to become clearer once the certified judgment is obtained and the party formally pursues its next course of action.
