The Forum of 19 Northern State Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally rejected the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), describing the verdict as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. ​
The legal battle escalated following a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The court ruling invalidated the leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark, ruling in favor of a suit filed by former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), Alhaji Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claimed legitimate leadership of the party. ​
Responding to the court’s decision, the 19 northern state chairmen convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, November 8, 2026, to review the developments and coordinate their defense. Speaking on behalf of the group at a joint press briefing following the meeting, the forum’s spokesperson and Kano State ADC Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ungogo, declared the judgment invalid and an infringement on the party’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs.
He announced that the chairmen would soon converge on Abuja to file a formal petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC), citing alleged procedural errors, a breach of fair hearing rights, and a disregard for earlier judicial precedents, including an April 29, 2026 ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik which was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal on June 13, 2026.
​Reinforcing the party’s legal position, the forum’s legal team, led by counsel Mohammed Sheriff, has already filed a Notice of Appeal along with urgent applications for an interim injunction and a stay of execution. Adamawa State ADC Chairman, Sadiq Dasin, clarified that because these legal challenges and stay of execution applications are active, the effect of the High Court judgment is legally suspended.
Consequently, the forum maintains that Senator David Mark remains the authentic National Chairman of the ADC, and all ongoing party structures, candidate nominations, and election preparations remain fully intact while the Court of Appeal considers the case.
