2027: Atiku’s Presidential Ticket In Doubt As Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court has reportedly sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s only recognised National Executive Committee (NEC) member.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by Gombe, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the opposition party.

Gombe had argued that following the resignation of the former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally qualified to take over the party’s leadership.

He consequently approached the court to challenge the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership and sought an order nullifying all actions taken by the faction in the name of the party.

Among the actions challenged was the primary election that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The development, if upheld and implemented, could trigger a major political crisis within the ADC and cast uncertainty over the status of its leadership, presidential ticket and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

It could also have significant implications for the party’s relationship with INEC and its participation in the forthcoming elections.