ADC warns APC against political instability after court ruling on party leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning against actions that could destabilise Nigeria over political ambitions. The statement was issued after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that disbanded the party executive headed by Senator David Mark and declared all decisions made by that group invalid. Consequently, the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been rendered invalid by the court order. The ADC characterised this judicial decision as a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians their right to choose their leaders in the upcoming general elections.

In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party highlighted the timing of the judgment, noting it was delivered barely 24 hours after a massive presidential campaign rally held in Sokoto. The ADC alleged that the large turnout at the rally, which drew hundreds of thousands of supporters, acted as a trigger for the swift delivery of the verdict. Abdullahi stated that the party believes the judgment was prepared in advance and that the ruling party is attempting to erase the political choices of millions of voters through judicial means. The party urged its members to remain calm while it prepares to challenge the decision through all available judicial processes.

Background

The legal dispute centres on the legitimacy of the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark. The ADC’s objection to the recent ruling is anchored on a previous judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court on 2 July 2026. In that earlier decision, under Suit No. In case FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, Justice Liman confirmed the validity of the National Working Committee led by David Mark and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept that leadership. According to the ADC, established Nigerian legal principles dictate that a court of equal standing is prohibited from examining, altering, or overturning the existing decision of another court with the same authority. Therefore, the party rejects any consequential orders that appear to disregard these fundamental legal principles. While the ADC awaits the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the new judgment to ascertain its precise terms and scope, it maintains that the decision is legally indefensible.

Why it matters

The ADC cautioned that the consequences of this ruling reach well past the specific individuals involved, impacting thousands of aspirants running for office at the local, state, and federal tiers. According to the party, the attempt to invalidate the leadership threatens the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. The ADC accused the APC of using the judiciary to influence outcomes when the opposition gains momentum, describing the situation as a dangerous attempt to eliminate political competition. The party emphasised that the peace and stability of Nigeria are more significant than the political ambitions of any single party, urging the APC not to engage in actions that could lead to uncontrollable consequences. The ADC stated that millions of Nigerians, who are waiting at the ballot box, will not accept the removal of their democracy through the courts.

What happens next

The ADC has indicated that it will challenge the judgment through every available judicial process. The party is currently waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment to review its precise operative orders before proceeding with its appeal. The ADC has called on its members to remain calm during this period of legal challenge, asserting that the party will not sit in silence while its democratic processes are contested.