The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the party’s leadership structure.
Justice Musa Liman held that the court lacked jurisdiction because the matter bordered on internal affairs of a political party. The judge ruled that Abejide failed to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism and lacked legal standing.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, welcomed the ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy and vowed to continue his pursuit of the 2027 presidency, stating that “no amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism can alter that fact.”
Key Points:
The ADC leadership is now legally secured ahead of the 2027 elections
The ruling strengthens the opposition coalition under Atiku’s presidential bid
Atiku’s vow signals an intensified campaign against the ruling APC
Internal party disputes are unlikely to derail the ADC’s 2027 preparations
The judgment reinforces the principle of party autonomy in Nigeria
Atiku and the ADC will proceed with their 2027 campaign. The ruling provides legal clarity for the party’s leadership structure.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
