The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces a critical legal juncture as the Supreme Court prepares to determine the validity of its current leadership, a decision that could fundamentally alter the political trajectory of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, National Chairman David Mark, and challenger Nafiu Bala Gombe. The dispute, which threatens to unravel the opposition coalition formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stems from a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu that nullified the Mark-led executive and the presidential nomination process conducted under his tenure.
The conflict originated when former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu facilitated a leadership transition installing Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman, North, objected to this arrangement, arguing that the party’s constitutional succession procedures were ignored. His legal challenge culminated in Justice Lifu’s November 5 ruling, which voided the Mark-led leadership and its consequential decisions, including the selection of Atiku as the presidential candidate. While the Mark faction argues that a separate July 2, 2026, judgment by Justice Musa Liman already settled the matter by upholding preliminary objections against a different plaintiff, the Supreme Court has not yet issued a final determination on the conflicting rulings.
For Atiku Abubakar, the legal uncertainty poses a significant strategic risk. If the Supreme Court upholds the nullification of the Mark-led leadership, his presidential nomination could become legally untenable, forcing him to seek a new political platform at a late stage in the electoral cycle. Despite this, Atiku’s camp maintains that his candidacy transcends regional boundaries. In a statement released by campaign spokesman Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated, “My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North.”
Conversely, a final victory for the Mark faction would preserve the coalition’s existing structure and secure the nominations of Atiku, his running mate Rotimi Amaechi, and other party candidates. This outcome would allow the ADC to focus on its electoral campaign without the distraction of internal legal battles. However, even a win for Mark would not necessarily end the internal friction, as the coalition comprises politicians with diverse ambitions who may still contest the distribution of party offices and influence.
Should Gombe prevail at the apex court, the consequences would extend beyond the chairmanship. Mark and Aregbesola would lose their positions, and the validity of nominations for governorship, Senate, and House of Representatives seats made under the disputed leadership could be invalidated. Gombe would then face the complex task of deciding whether to integrate the politicians who joined under Mark or risk weakening the party through their departure. Meanwhile, Nwosu would face renewed scrutiny regarding the transition he facilitated, although a ruling against the Mark structure would not automatically establish personal wrongdoing on his part.
“Political parties are not above their own constitutions, and the Electoral Act is not a mere suggestion,” Gombe declared following the lower court’s ruling in his favor.
As the Mark faction prepares to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision, attention shifts to the appellate courts. The Supreme Court had previously intervened on April 30 to direct an expedited hearing, but it has not yet ruled on who is entitled to lead the ADC. The final outcome will determine whether the ADC remains a unified opposition force or fractures under the weight of its internal legal and political struggles.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
