2027: Shehu Sani advises ADC on next step after appealing Justice Lifu's judgment

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) members and supporters to refrain from attacking the judiciary following their decision to appeal a Federal High Court ruling that overturned their leadership. Sani stated that the ADC had taken the appropriate legal route by challenging the judgment.

He urged party leaders to demonstrate restraint and avoid comments that could undermine public trust in the judiciary. Additionally, Sani requested ADC supporters to cease insults towards judges and refrain from making false and baseless allegations against judiciary members.

The Federal High Court ruling, delivered in Abuja on November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, nullified the ADC leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark. The court found that the process of establishing the party breached its constitution and applicable legal provisions. Furthermore, the ruling invalidated actions taken by the Mark-led leadership, such as the party's presidential primary, which elected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Following the ruling, the ADC promptly filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal on November 6, coupled with a request to halt the execution of the judgment pending the appellate court's decision. The party also informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about its legal action, seeking a temporary pause in any further steps until the appellate court's decision.

In response to the situation, Sani emphasized that the party should now allow the judicial process to proceed without resorting to verbal attacks against judges. He stated, "Now that they have appealed their case, that is the right thing to do. The next step is to restrain their tongues against the judiciary, and appeal to their supporters to stop insulting judges or making false and baseless allegations against them."