ADC appeals ruling that sacked David Mark, urges INEC to hold off

• ADC appeals ruling that sacked David Mark and nullified Atiku Abubakar’s presidential nomination, urging INEC to hold off while the case is pending.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment that removed its David Mark-led leadership and nullified the presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 election.

The party also applied for a stay of execution, asking the court to suspend enforcement of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said in a statement on Friday that the party had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of both filings on November 6. He urged the commission to hold off on decisions that could affect the dispute while the appeal was pending.

“The Commission must respect the judicial process and allow the appellate court to hear the case,” the party said.

“The judgment is now under challenge before a higher court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course. We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decision,” it added.

What the court ruled

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Thursday, November 5, in favour of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC deputy national chairman for the North-East. Gombe had argued that he was entitled under the party’s constitution to take over after former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned.

The court set aside the appointments of Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. It also invalidated decisions taken under the interim leadership, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku and other nominations for the 2027 general elections.

The judge directed INEC to disregard decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting on July 27, 2025.

ADC says campaigns will continue

Shaibu urged party members and supporters to remain calm and said the ADC would continue campaigning while it pursued the appeal.

“Our campaigns continue without interruption. There is no stopping the affordability train or our mission to make life better for Nigerians,” he said.

“We are confident that the facts and the law will receive a full hearing. The ADC will continue to pursue this matter through the courts and stand for a democratic process in which every party and every voter is treated fairly,” he added.