Public debate has erupted following a decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which was headed by former Senate President David Mark. The decision effectively invalidates the primary election processes that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, upholding a suit brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party. Gombe had challenged the process through which the caretaker committee assumed control following the resignation of former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Justice Lifu ruled that the emergence of Senator Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, breached the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Consequently, the court granted the plaintiff’s reliefs, declaring all actions taken by the unconstitutional executive null and void.
The ruling directly affects the primary election that affirmed Atiku’s nomination alongside all secondary candidate selections conducted under the nullified executive. The court order restrains Senator Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to parade themselves as national officers of the opposition party.
Senior Counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna, declared after the session that the judgment leaves the ADC without validly nominated candidates across all elective positions for 2027, from the presidency down to the state assemblies. Senior Counsel to Nafiu Bala Gombe, Lukman Fagbemi, explained the legal implications of the ruling, noting that all actions taken by the ADC as a party since July 27 stand annulled.
Reacting to the verdict, ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu confirmed that the party will appeal against the ruling at the appellate court. The legal setback occurred less than 24 hours after Atiku addressed a major campaign rally in Sokoto State. Despite the judgment, Atiku proceeded with his campaign engagements, travelling from Sokoto to Kebbi State for an ADC presidential campaign rally.
The verdict triggered an immediate wave of commentary across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with politicians, lawyers, and public commentators offering contrasting perspectives.
On X, legal and political accounts debated the statutory implications of the decision. PDP chieftain Chief Jackson Ude posted that the judiciary must not become a weapon to dislodge legitimate opposition structures, arguing that the caretaker committee was set up to save the party. Conversely, APC activist Kayode Ogundamisi posted that internal democracy is non-negotiable and that political parties cannot continue to bypass their own rules.
On Facebook, political groups and news outlets recorded heavy engagement from voters and grassroots organisers. PDP loyalist group Atiku Movement 2027 published a widely shared statement describing the judgment as a temporary setback orchestrated by forces terrified of Atiku’s rising momentum across the North and South. Meanwhile, civil society activist Comrade Deji Adeyanju commented that party executives must learn to follow statutory guidelines.
Legal observers note that the imminent appeal will test the resilience of opposition coalitions as the 2027 election timetable approaches.
Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.
