Court didn’t nullify Atiku’s candidacy, ADC lawyer insists
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readA Federal High Court judgment nullifying the ADC’s David Mark-led leadership has sparked legal uncertainty regarding the party's 2027 candidates. Despite the ruling, ADC legal representatives maintain that Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy remains intact, as the court did not issue an explicit order voiding his nomination.
Context & Background
- ✦The dispute stems from a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the democratic legitimacy of the leadership that emerged following mass resignations in July 2025.
- ✦The ruling creates significant political tension, with the ADC alleging the judgment is politically motivated and potentially impacting thousands of candidates nominated under the disputed leadership.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Kalu Kalu (ADC Lawyer):Insists the judgment does not void Atiku Abubakar's candidacy.Justice Peter Lifu:Presided over the November 5 judgment nullifying the Mark-led leadership.Atiku Abubakar:The ADC presidential candidate who has vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Outlook & Next Steps
The ADC has filed an appeal and a stay of execution, while INEC is currently reviewing the certified true copy of the judgment to determine its next regulatory steps.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- ADC lawyer Kalu Kalu asserts that the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership does not invalidate Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential candidacy.
- Justice Peter Lifu’s November 5 ruling declared all decisions made by the Mark-led National Working Committee since July 29, 2025, as null and void due to violations of the Electoral Act.
- The ADC has formally filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution, while INEC awaits a certified true copy of the judgment before taking action.
Key Facts:July 2025: The ADC leadership crisis intensified following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu and other executives.July 2, 2026: Justice Musa Liman delivered a judgment that the Mark-led faction previously relied upon to defend its leadership status.November 5, 2027: Justice Peter Lifu nullified the emergence of the Mark-led leadership and restrained INEC from recognizing their decisions.
Editorial Excerpt
An ADC lawyer insists a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party's David Mark-led leadership did not invalidate Atiku Abubakar's 2027 candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Did the court explicitly nullify Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy?
No. According to ADC lawyer Kalu Kalu, the judgment by Justice Peter Lifu contains no specific order cancelling Atiku’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate.
Why did the court nullify the David Mark-led leadership?
The court ruled that the process producing the leadership violated Section 82(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution, by failing to satisfy requirements for democratic elections.
