ADC Dismisses Lifu Judgment, Says David Mark, Aregbesola Remain Leaders, Vows Appeal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has rejected Friday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which reportedly nullified the party’s current leadership and the nomination of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, describing the ruling as an “academic exercise” that has already been overtaken by events.

The campaign council said the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu would not affect the party’s activities, adding that its legal team had begun the process of appealing the decision.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council argued that an earlier judgment by another Federal High Court had already settled the leadership dispute in favour of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

According to the statement, Justice Musa Liman had ruled that the transfer of the party’s leadership from former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, to Senator David Mark was consistent with the ADC constitution.

The council said the court also recognised the July 29, 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where Senator Mark and Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. It added that the meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ADC PCC maintained that the latest judgment could not override the earlier decision of a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

It stated, “The Council maintains that the judgment is of no practical effect and cannot override or displace an existing judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.”

The opposition party said it had instructed its lawyers to challenge the ruling and seek all necessary legal remedies, including a stay of execution where applicable.

The council also questioned the timing of the judgment, claiming it came at a period when the party was gaining political momentum following its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto.

According to the statement, “Rather than confront the ADC politically and through the ballot box, the APC appears increasingly desperate to deploy every available instrument to frustrate the opposition and undermine its growing electoral momentum.”

The campaign council further alleged that there were reports of pressure and political interference surrounding the case, stressing that the independence of the judiciary must be protected.

It added, “The independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary must never be compromised or sacrificed on the altar of partisan political interests.”

The ADC insisted that Senator David Mark remains its National Chairman, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remains the party’s National Secretary.

The party urged its members and supporters across the country to remain peaceful and continue their campaigns, assuring them that there was no cause for concern.

It concluded, “The ADC is not distracted. The campaign continues. The struggle for a better Nigeria remains unstoppable.”

The latest judgment is expected to deepen the legal battle over the ADC leadership and its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, with the Court of Appeal expected to determine the next stage of the dispute.