The 2027 presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has been thrown into uncertainty following a reported Federal High Court ruling nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark.
The court reportedly ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the only recognised member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), in a development that could affect the political future of the ADC and the status of its presidential ticket.
Atiku had reportedly emerged as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections through a primary election conducted under the David Mark-led leadership, whose legitimacy was challenged in court.
The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Gombe argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership after Nwosu’s departure and asked the court to nullify decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership.
Among the decisions affected by the suit is the conduct of the ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flagbearer for the 2027 election.
If the reported ruling stands, it could trigger fresh legal and political complications for Atiku’s presidential bid, particularly regarding the recognition of his candidacy and the authority under which the party conducted its primary.
The development is another major twist in the ADC leadership dispute, which has continued to generate controversy over the party’s control, internal legitimacy and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
