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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its legal battle against a Federal High Court judgment that nullified its David Mark-led leadership and the presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 candidate. The party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, has appealed the ruling and is seeking a stay of execution, while the ADC maintains that its candidates should remain eligible to contest the election. The dispute now places the party’s leadership and presidential ticket before the appellate courts
The appeal follows a November 5 judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which invalidated the Mark-led National Working Committee and decisions taken under its leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate. The ruling followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.
Aregbesola is challenging the judgment on the grounds that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership dispute. His appeal also questions the court’s interpretation of the ADC constitution and the legal provisions governing the appointment of party officers to fill vacant positions. He has asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling or, alternatively, return the affected claims to the lower court for a fresh hearing.
The ADC is also seeking a stay of execution to suspend the enforcement of the judgment while the appeal is being considered. The party has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the legal action and urged the commission not to take steps that could affect its leadership or candidates before the appellate court reaches a decision. However, filing an appeal does not automatically suspend a court judgment; the stay application must first be determined.
The Lagos State ADC chairman, George Ashiru, has dismissed concerns that the dispute will prevent the party’s candidates from participating in the 2027 elections. He said the party’s campaign activities and grassroots mobilisation were continuing, while maintaining that its primaries complied with the Electoral Act. These are the party’s claims, and the final position will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The central issue is whether the Court of Appeal will overturn or uphold the judgment that invalidated the Mark-led leadership and its decisions. Until the legal dispute is resolved, uncertainty remains over the ADC’s leadership structure and the status of the presidential nomination that produced Atiku.
Why it matters
The dispute could affect the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general election, including its ability to organise campaigns, manage party structures and present candidates. It also places attention on the relationship between internal party leadership disputes, electoral regulations and the courts' role in resolving political disagreements.
What it means for your money
There is no immediate direct financial impact on individuals from the court appeal. However, political uncertainty surrounding major opposition parties can influence public confidence in the electoral process and the wider political environment. For businesses and investors, the conduct of the 2027 election and the stability of Nigeria’s political institutions remain important considerations.
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The immediate development to watch is the Court of Appeal’s consideration of Aregbesola’s appeal and the application for a stay of execution. INEC’s response to the party’s notification will also be important, particularly any decisions affecting the recognition of the ADC leadership and its candidates ahead of the election.
The ADC’s appeal has opened another stage in the dispute over its leadership and Atiku’s presidential candidacy. The outcome will depend on the courts’ interpretation of the party’s constitution, electoral laws and the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. Until then, the status of the party’s leadership and its 2027 ticket remains subject to legal proceedings.
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