Atiku Abubakar Challenges Court Ruling Nullifying ADC Congresses

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court judgment on July 13, 2026, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing state congresses organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caretaker leadership under Senator David Mark. In a 2-1 split decision, the court ruled that the authority to conduct state congresses rests with elected state executive committees rather than national leadership. The court declared the congresses and the national convention conducted by the Mark-led faction null and void for violating a subsisting court order and imposed a N10 million fine on the party.

Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's 2027 presidential candidate, has instructed his legal team to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the decision. While opponents argue the ruling invalidates his presidential ticket, Abubakar asserts that the judgment concerns the tenure of state executive committees and internal congresses rather than the statutory primary elections used to nominate candidates. He characterized claims that his candidacy is void as political propaganda and legal gymnastics, maintaining that the path to the 2027 general elections remains open.

The ADC has expressed its commitment to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and intends to pursue its mission in accordance with the rule of law as the case moves to the highest court.