The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday nullified Atiku Abubakar’s nomination as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and the party leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, brought by former ADC deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe against the party, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The decision also cancels the nominations of other ADC candidates for the 2027 elections and the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Gombe argued that he was entitled to take over after former national chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned. He challenged the process by which Mark and the caretaker committee assumed leadership.
The court upheld Gombe’s case. Gombe’s lawyer, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), said the court also directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting on 27 July 2025.
The ruling follows earlier hearings in the ADC leadership dispute.
ADC national welfare secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was joined as an interested party, said the party would appeal. The reports did not say that an appeal had already been filed.
Sources: Punch; Channels Television; Daily Trust
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