Mark’s removal: Northern ADC chairmen kick, head for NJC
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Forum of 19 Northern State Chairmen of the ADC has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that sacked the party's national leadership under David Mark. The forum intends to appeal the decision and petition the National Judicial Council, citing judicial contradictions and procedural unfairness.
Context & Background
- ✦The dispute centers on the internal leadership of the ADC, involving a transition from founder Ralph Nwosu to a National Working Committee led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
- ✦The forum claims the court's interference in internal party administration violates the Electoral Act 2022 and established Supreme Court precedents.
Key Figures & Named Entities
David Mark:National Chairman whose leadership was sacked by the court ruling.Justice Peter Lifu:The Federal High Court judge who delivered the November 5 judgment.Atiku Abubakar:Presidential candidate whose nomination was nullified by the court's decision.
Outlook & Next Steps
The forum has filed a notice of appeal and applications for interim injunctions and a stay of execution to maintain the current party structure pending the appellate court's determination.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Forum of 19 Northern State Chairmen of the ADC has formally rejected the Federal High Court judgment that removed the David Mark-led national leadership.
- The forum plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal and petition the National Judicial Council over alleged procedural violations.
- The chairmen argue the ruling contradicts a previous July 2026 judgment and violates the rights of candidates, including the presidential ticket led by Atiku Abubakar, who were not joined in the suit.
Key Facts:July 2, 2026: Justice Musa Liman delivered a judgment affirming the party's leadership transfer and INEC notice.November 5: Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment sacking the David Mark-led leadership.
Editorial Excerpt
The Forum of 19 Northern State Chairmen of the ADC has rejected a court judgment sacking the David Mark-led leadership, vowing to appeal and petition the N
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why do the Northern ADC chairmen believe the recent court judgment is invalid?
They argue it contradicts a July 2, 2026, judgment by a court of coordinate jurisdiction and that the court failed to grant hearings for 27 preliminary objections and joinder motions.
What is the status of the ADC's presidential ticket following the court ruling?
The ruling nullified the nominations of candidates, including the presidential ticket led by Atiku Abubakar, a move the forum claims is a breach of fair hearing as the candidates were not joined in the suit.
