ADC Takes David Mark Leadership Dispute to Appeal Court, Warns INEC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the party, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking any action on the matter pending the determination of the appeal.

The party disclosed that it had filed a notice of appeal against the judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu. It also confirmed that an application seeking a stay of execution of the judgment had been submitted.

In a statement issued on Friday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said INEC had been formally notified of the legal steps taken by the party.

Shaibu maintained that the electoral commission should respect the ongoing judicial process and avoid taking decisions that could affect the outcome of the appeal.

He warned that any action by INEC before the Court of Appeal considers the matter could amount to pre-empting the appellate court.

The party’s legal representatives, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., also wrote to the INEC chairman on November 6, formally notifying the commission of the appeal and the pending application for a stay of execution.

In the letter, the lawyers urged INEC to suspend further action relating to the dispute until the appeal is determined.

Despite the legal challenge, the ADC insisted that its political activities and preparations for the 2027 general election would continue without interruption.

Shaibu said the party remained committed to defending its rights through lawful means, urging members and supporters not to lose confidence.

He also maintained that the party’s campaign activities would continue, stressing that the leadership dispute would not distract it from its political mission.

The legal battle followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East, who challenged the emergence of Mark and other members of the caretaker committee.

Bala had argued that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

However, Justice Lifu ruled against the Mark-led leadership, nullifying the caretaker committee and the decisions taken under it.

The judgment also affected the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.

Following the ruling, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the judgment, describing it as an attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders.

With the ADC now approaching the Court of Appeal, the party’s leadership dispute is set to continue, leaving the legal status of its leadership and some of its electoral decisions subject to further judicial proceedings.