Kola Ologbondiyan, the Director of Media and Publicity for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, told Arise TV on Friday that Justice Peter Lifu’s recent ruling dismissing the David Mark‑led ADC and cancelling Atiku Abubakar’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate is “useless, an academic exercise and has been overtaken by events.”
Lifu judgment is useless, an academic exercise and has been overtaken by events. It cannot stop Atiku.
Ologbondiyan argued that the judgment cannot stand because another Federal High Court judge, Justice Musa Liman, had already ruled on the same issue. Liman confirmed the leadership change within the ADC, holding that the handover of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator David Mark did not breach the party’s constitution.
He explained that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ gathering that preceded the July 29, 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were selected as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. Ologbondiyan noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the NEC meeting.
The spokesperson recalled that Justice Lifu had previously issued a judgment deregistering the ADC, a decision later set aside by the Court of Appeal. He expressed concern that the new ruling arrived after the ADC held a successful presidential campaign flag‑off in Sokoto, raising fears of political pressure.
According to Ologbondiyan, the party’s legal team has begun steps to challenge the judgment in the appropriate courts, including seeking interim relief and a stay of execution before filing an appeal. He reaffirmed that Senator David Mark remains the National Chairman recognised by the party and that Mr. Rauf Aregbesola continues as National Secretary.
Ologbondiyan urged ADC candidates, members and supporters to stay calm, stay alert and remain focused on their campaigns.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
