ADC files appeal against court ruling that voids Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially lodged an appeal against a Federal High Court verdict that invalidated its National Executive Committee and the selection of former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 general election. In a statement issued on Friday, the party also applied for a stay of execution and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking any further steps until the appeal is heard.

Issued by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja on Thursday, the court order ruled that the interim body headed by former Senate President David Mark was unlawful and annulled the primary process that established Atiku as the party’s standard‑bearer. This judicial outcome arrived with fewer than two months remaining until the Nigerian presidential vote set for 16 January 2027.

Background

The legal dispute originated from a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the ADC’s former National Deputy Chairman (North‑East). Gombe contended that following the departure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he had the right to take over the party’s helm, noting that the interim group under Mark’s direction had never been ratified at a national convention. The Federal High Court agreed, overturning the committee’s legitimacy and, by extension, the party’s internal decisions, including the presidential primary.

Atiku Abubakar, who served as vice‑president from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined the ADC in 2025 after becoming disillusioned with factional infighting in the PDP. His candidacy was seen as a major boost for the opposition, which also includes former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as a key challenger to incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

The ADC’s leadership change in 2025 saw David Mark appointed as interim chairman, a move contested by Gombe. The court’s decision therefore not only removed Mark but also invalidated the primary that selected Atiku, creating a legal vacuum for the party ahead of the election.

Why it matters

The appeal has significant implications for the electoral landscape. If the stay is granted, INEC would be required to maintain the status quo, allowing Atiku’s name to remain on the ballot pending a higher‑court ruling. Conversely, if the appeal fails, the ADC could lose its presidential candidate altogether, potentially reshaping the opposition’s vote share.

According to ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ruling represented yet another frantic effort to weaken the opposition and deprive Nigerians of their ability to select their own leaders. The party further alleged that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) was complicit in the legal action, an assertion that APC spokesperson Daniel Bwala rejected by stating the organization had no part in the matter.

The ruling adds to a series of legal challenges the ADC has faced regarding its eligibility to contest the 2027 elections. These lawsuits have created uncertainty for voters who may have expected Atiku to be a major contender.

What happens next

The ADC’s appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, though no date has been announced. The party has asked INEC to hold off on any action, such as removing Atiku’s name from the ballot, until the appellate court decides. INEC’s response to the stay application has not yet been made public.

If the Court of Appeal upholds the Federal High Court’s decision, the ADC may need to conduct a fresh primary or nominate an alternative candidate before the 16 January election. Should the appeal succeed, the original nomination would be reinstated, allowing Atiku to continue his campaign.

The outcome will affect not only the ADC’s electoral prospects but also the broader contest between President Tinubu’s APC and the coalition of opposition figures seeking to unseat him. Stakeholders, including political analysts and voter groups, are closely monitoring the legal proceedings as the election draws near.