A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, as well as the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee illegal, ruling that its actions violated the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The court also nullified the emergence of former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, alongside the appointments of other national officers and the nominations of ADC candidates for the 2027 elections.

The judgment followed a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and his committee assumed control of the party.

Justice Lifu also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

Reacting to the ruling, the ADC rejected the judgment and vowed to appeal, while Atiku also announced plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

Despite the ruling, Atiku continued his campaign on Thursday in Kebbi State, a day after holding a rally in Sokoto.

The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.