The short version
- The Federal High Court in Abuja declared the African Democratic Congress leadership unlawful and invalidated the nomination of its presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
- Abubakar vowed to continue his campaign despite the ruling, while rival candidate Peter Obi expressed concern that such legal maneuvers undermine democratic stability ahead of the January 16 elections.
- The ADC plans to appeal the decision, which stems from a dispute over whether interim chairman David Mark was properly appointed following the resignation of the previous party leader in 2025.
A Nigerian federal court has issued a ruling that invalidates the presidential nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and dismisses the current leadership of his political party, the African Democratic Congress. The decision by Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja creates significant legal ambiguity for one of the primary opposition forces challenging President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 16.
The court determined that the appointment of David Mark as interim chairman of the ADC was not conducted in accordance with statutory requirements. Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former national deputy chairman, argued before the judge that Mark and other high-profile figures who joined the party had not been elected through a proper national convention. Gombe contended that he should have assumed leadership duties following the resignation of the previous ADC chairman in 2025.
This judgment reverses a prior legal stance taken by the same court system. In July, Judge Musa Liman ruled that Mark’s selection was lawful and consistent with both national statutes and the party’s internal constitution. That earlier decision came in response to a separate case filed by another former ADC member. The conflicting rulings have raised questions about judicial consistency and the timing of legal interventions in political disputes.
Atiku Abubakar, who is making his seventh attempt to secure the presidency, responded firmly to the setback. He stated that he would not abandon his campaign or the supporters who have rallied behind him. Abubakar emphasized that no legal maneuvering or intimidation would deter him from remaining on the ballot. He also criticized the timing of the judgment, noting it occurred shortly after a large public gathering in Sokoto state where he launched his campaign activities.
The African Democratic Congress has condemned the ruling as an effort to weaken opposition momentum. Party officials described the decision as a calculated move to frustrate Abubakar’s candidacy and cripple the broader opposition movement. The ADC announced its intention to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal, seeking to restore its leadership structure and validate its candidate selections.
Despite the court’s invalidation of the nomination process, the Independent National Electoral Commission has already published its final list of candidates for the election. Abubakar appears on this official roster as the ADC presidential nominee, with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi listed as his running mate. This discrepancy between judicial rulings and electoral administration adds another layer of complexity to the pre-election landscape.
Peter Obi, another prominent opposition candidate running under the Nigeria Democratic Congress banner, expressed shock at the high court’s decision. Obi, who previously joined the ADC before leaving due to internal legal conflicts, warned against actions that could undermine democratic institutions. He highlighted the importance of maintaining certainty and stability in the political process, particularly given the broader regional context of military influence in West Africa.
The ADC has emerged as a major opposition force after attracting several influential politicians who left the Peoples Democratic Party due to factional disputes. These defectors include Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark. The legal turmoil within the party threatens to create uncertainty not only for the presidential ticket but also for hundreds of other candidates running under the ADC banner in various constituencies across the country.
As the election date approaches, the resolution of this leadership dispute will likely depend on the outcome of the appeal process. The situation underscores a growing trend in Nigerian politics where internal party conflicts are increasingly resolved through litigation rather than internal mechanisms. This pattern raises concerns about the capacity of political institutions to manage disputes without judicial interference.
Observers note that the stability of Nigeria’s democratic framework is being tested by these legal challenges. With less than two months until voting begins, the clarity of candidate eligibility and party representation remains critical for ensuring a smooth electoral process. The coming weeks will reveal whether the appellate courts uphold or overturn the Federal High Court’s decision, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics of the race.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC World↗Nigerian court rules opposition candidate cannot stand in elections
