The African Democratic Congress [ADC] on Thursday suffered a major setback ahead of the 2027 presidential election after the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the party throwing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential nomination into uncertainty.
The ruling followed a legal challenge by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC deputy national chairman, who disputed the legitimacy of the party’s leadership following the departure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The judgment invalidates decisions taken under the disputed leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Although the ruling does not permanently disqualify Atiku from contesting in 2027, it represents a significant legal and political setback for his presidential ambition. The ADC leadership is expected to appeal.
The development could bring relief to President Bola Tinubu’s political camp as opposition forces face fresh uncertainty over their preparations for the election.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi is pursuing his presidential ambition under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), while Atiku remains associated with the ADC.
The court battle now threatens to deepen divisions within the opposition, raising questions about its ability to organise a united challenge to Tinubu in 2027.