ADC Appeals Court Ruling Affecting Atiku’s 2027 Ticket, Asks INEC to Hold Action
The African Democratic Congress has filed an appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led national leadership and affected decisions taken under that executive, including Atiku Abubakar’s presidential nomination for the 2027 election.
The party said its lawyers filed a notice of appeal on Friday, 6 November 2026. They also submitted a motion asking the Federal High Court to stay execution of the judgment while the Court of Appeal considers the case.
ADC asks INEC to wait
In a letter delivered to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the ADC asked the electoral body not to implement the judgment until the appeal and stay application are determined.
Justice Peter Lifu had ruled that the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as national chairman, together with the executive led by him, did not comply with the party’s constitution. The ruling also affected subsequent decisions taken by that leadership.
The case was brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC deputy national chairman for the North-East, who argued that he was entitled to lead the party after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Appeal does not automatically suspend the ruling
The filing of an appeal does not by itself stop enforcement of a judgment. As of Friday night, the ADC’s motion for a stay of execution had not been heard, and no court order granting a stay had been independently confirmed.
INEC had not publicly announced how it would implement the judgment. Its online party directory still listed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the ADC’s national chairman and national secretary on Saturday morning.
Atiku has said he remains in the presidential race. The APC denies allegations that it influenced the litigation and says the dispute arose from disagreements within the opposition party.
The next important developments will be the hearing of the stay application, the Court of Appeal’s consideration of the case and INEC’s formal response.
Sources: ADC appeal report; legal and INEC status review.
Maureen Badejo TV — Truth Is Constant.