Court removes Atiku from 2027 presidential race, sacks Mark-led ADC leadership

A Federal High Court in Abuja has stripped former Vice President Abubakar Atiku of his 2027 presidential candidacy, dissipating the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under David Mark's guidance. Atiku, the ADC's presidential candidate, found his status nullified by the court's ruling. Justice Peter Lifu also dismissed the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun State, and others as ADC national officers, invalidating all ADC candidates' nominations for the upcoming general elections.

The judgment arose from a lawsuit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, an aggrieved ADC Deputy National Chairman, who challenged the party's leadership under Mark and Aregbesola, deeming their ascent illegitimate. The court dismissed all actions taken by the Mark-led ADC leadership, ruling them unlawful. Despite the setback, the ADC intends to appeal the decision, with the party's National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, planning to challenge the ruling in an appellate court.

The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, involved the ADC, INEC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu, with Gombe seeking to overturn the party's leadership and leadership-related actions. The court's decision could have far-reaching consequences as the presidential election is set for January 16, 2027.