Breaking: Court Removes David Mark as ADC National Chairman, Recognises Nafiu Bala Gombe

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic leader of the party in a major ruling that could reshape its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a suit filed by Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC for the North-East, challenging the process through which Mark and other members of his executive emerged as leaders of the party.

The court reportedly held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the ADC constitution and established party guidelines.

Consequently, the judge nullified the actions taken by the disputed leadership, ruling that Gombe was entitled to assume the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Court Ruling Affects Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambition

The judgment could have far-reaching consequences for the ADC’s political plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports indicate that the court’s decision also invalidates the activities of the caretaker committee that organised the party’s presidential primary, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.

Atiku had emerged as the ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election and subsequently selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

The latest ruling has therefore thrown the party’s presidential ticket into uncertainty, alongside other decisions taken under the David Mark-led leadership.

The development represents a significant setback for the opposition coalition, which has been positioning the ADC as a major platform for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.

ADC Set to Challenge Court Judgment

The party has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Nkemakolam Ukandu, the ADC National Welfare Secretary, reportedly said the party would appeal the decision.

The legal battle is expected to generate further political developments as the 2027 elections approach.

Meanwhile, the ruling raises fresh questions about the party’s leadership, its relationship with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the validity of its electoral arrangements.

The outcome of any appeal could prove crucial to determining who controls the ADC and whether decisions taken under the Mark-led leadership will stand ahead of the 2027 general elections.