ADC to feature on 2027 ballot despite David Mark leadership crisis

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces significant uncertainty following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the leadership of the David Mark-led faction. Justice Peter Lifu issued the judgment on Thursday in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, which also voided the party's presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for 2027.

The legal challenge, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, stemmed from a long-standing internal dispute over the party's leadership structure following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu. Gombe argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the leadership position, a claim that prompted the court to invalidate the decisions made by the Mark-led caretaker committee.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, addressed public concerns regarding the party's participation in the upcoming general elections. He emphasized that the court's decision does not equate to a total ban on the ADC, noting that the party remains eligible to field candidates through its recognized leadership structure.

Writing on his verified X handle on Sunday, Keyamo stated: "For the education of the public, those raising false alarm that the court judgment on ADC means the party will not be on the ballot are spreading misinformation."

He further clarified the potential impact on specific individuals, adding: "The ADC will be on the ballot. It is the David Mark faction of candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, that may not be on the ballot, depending on the final judgment of the Supreme Court."

In response to the ruling, the David Mark-led faction has declared its intention to appeal the court's decision. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has stated that it will not take a formal position on the matter until it receives and reviews the certified true copy of the judgment.