The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affecting its national leadership and the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the ruling as an attempt to weaken opposition politics and undermine Nigerians' democratic rights. The party has vowed to challenge the judgment through every available legal channel.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed strong reservations about the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which declared the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party illegal and invalidated decisions taken under its authority, including the party's presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate.

The party questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, where it reported a massive turnout of supporters.

According to the ADC, the sequence of events raises concerns about what it described as growing attempts to frustrate the opposition as it mobilises support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” the party stated.

The ADC argued that the decision goes beyond the political fortunes of Senator David Mark or Atiku Abubakar, raising broader questions about the rights of political parties, candidates and citizens to participate freely in Nigeria's democratic process.

It warned that the judgment could have far-reaching implications for thousands of ADC candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.

“Do these people understand what they are playing with? This is not about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their own leaders. It is about the rights of thousands of candidates to participate in a democratic process,” Abdullahi stated.

ADC Cites Earlier Federal High Court Judgment in Its Legal Objection

The party maintained that the November 5 judgment raises serious legal questions, particularly in view of an earlier decision delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court on July 2, 2026.

The ADC said its objection is anchored on the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, which, according to the party, affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.

The party argued that it is an established principle of Nigerian jurisprudence that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.

On this basis, the ADC rejected what it described as consequential orders arising from a determination that appears to disregard the earlier judgment.

However, the party disclosed that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of Justice Lifu's judgment to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders before determining the full extent of the legal implications.

The ADC reaffirmed that it would pursue every available judicial remedy to challenge the decision, insisting that the integrity of the country's democratic institutions and the rights of political participants must be protected.

ADC Warns Against Using Judicial Processes to Restrict Political Competition

The opposition party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of seeking to use judicial controversies to weaken political competition and frustrate the emergence of a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

It warned that attempts to eliminate political opponents through institutional or judicial processes could undermine public confidence in democracy and threaten the country's political stability.

“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party. Nobody should be so desperate to retain power that they are prepared to put the entire country at risk,” the statement declared.

The party further maintained that no political party or individual has an exclusive claim to Nigeria's political future, stressing that the presidency is an elective office and that every political organisation must be allowed to compete fairly for the people's mandate.

It called on the judiciary to remain independent, impartial and guided by the Constitution and the rule of law, warning against any action that could undermine democratic institutions or restrict the political choices available to Nigerians.

ADC Urges Members to Remain Calm as It Pursues Legal Options

Despite its strong objections to the judgment, the ADC appealed to its members, supporters and candidates across the country to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.

The party urged its supporters not to resort to actions that could undermine public peace, assuring them that its leadership remained committed to defending the party's interests through lawful and constitutional means.

Reiterating the wider implications of the dispute, the ADC maintained that the controversy should not be viewed merely as an internal leadership matter or a question concerning the candidacy of an individual politician.

“This is not just about the ADC or Atiku Abubakar; it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good,” the statement concluded.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to defending multiparty democracy, protecting the rights of political participants and ensuring that Nigerians retain the freedom to choose their leaders through a credible, open and competitive electoral process.