The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja delivered a ruling on Thursday morning, November 5, 2026, sacking the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President Senator David Mark and invalidating all administrative decisions and nominations executed during their tenure. ​
Presiding Judge Justice Peter Lifu ruled in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 that the emergence of Senator Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary violated both the ADC constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The suit was brought before the court by the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who contended that following the resignation of former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was the authentic and legally recognized leader of the ADC. ​
The judicial verdict effectively nullified all actions taken by the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, including primary elections, candidate nominations, and the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In addition to invalidating all internal congresses and selections, Justice Lifu granted a perpetual injunction restraining Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party. ​
Responding to the verdict shortly after the morning session at the court complex, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi announced that the party’s legal team would immediately file an appeal at the Court of Appeal to stay execution of the ruling.
National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu also urged party supporters and candidates to remain calm while appellate proceedings are finalized to protect the party’s preparations for the upcoming general elections.
