The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing it as an “academic exercise” that has already been overtaken by events.
The council said the judgment, which reportedly nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and also voided the nomination of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement on Friday signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the campaign council maintained that the ruling has no practical effect because another Federal High Court had earlier ruled on the same leadership dispute.
According to the council, Justice Musa Liman had previously held that the transfer of the party’s leadership from former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, to Senator David Mark did not breach the ADC constitution.
The council explained that Justice Liman recognised the July 2, 2025 stakeholders’ meeting as a precursor to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, where Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. It added that the NEC meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ADC PCC argued that the earlier judgment remains valid and cannot simply be displaced by another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
Describing the latest ruling as ineffective, the council said its legal team had already begun the process of challenging the decision through the appropriate judicial channels.
The statement read: “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 campaign council also linked the timing of the judgment to the current political atmosphere, claiming it came shortly after what it described as the failed APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna and the successful launch of the ADC presidential campaign in Sokoto.
According to the council, “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 ADC further recalled that Justice Lifu had previously delivered a judgment declaring the party deregistered, a decision it said was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.
The party also alleged that there were concerns about pressure and political interference surrounding the latest proceedings.
It said: “The Council is also aware of developments surrounding the proceedings, including allegations of pressure and political interference. We consider it imperative that the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary must never be compromised or sacrificed on the altar of partisan political interests.”
The campaign council insisted that Senator David Mark remains the recognised National Chairman of the party, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola continues to serve as its National Secretary.
It urged party members, candidates and supporters nationwide to remain calm and continue their campaigns, assuring them that there was no reason for panic.
The ADC said its legal team would seek appropriate interim reliefs, including a stay of execution where applicable, before pursuing an appeal against the judgment.
The statement added: “The ADC is not distracted. The campaign continues. The struggle for a better Nigeria remains unstoppable.”
The leadership dispute within the ADC has generated several legal battles in recent months as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. Friday’s judgment is expected to trigger another round of legal proceedings, with the appellate court likely to determine the next phase of the controversy.
