ADC appeals ruling voiding leadership and Atiku nomination

The African Democratic Congress says it has appealed a Federal High Court ruling that nullified its leadership structure and the process that produced Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate, and has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission not to implement the decision while the appeal is pending. The party says its campaigns will continue.

The court, sitting in Abuja, ruled on November 5 against the David Mark-led leadership and directed INEC to disregard decisions made under it, including those concerning the presidential ticket and other nominations. The case was brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC deputy national chairman for the North-East, who challenged how Mark and other officials assumed leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 6, Phrank Shaibu, the campaign council’s director of strategic communication, said the ADC had filed an appeal and applied for a stay of execution. The party also said it had formally notified INEC of both filings and urged the commission to avoid consequential action on its leadership while the appeal is before the Court of Appeal.

The stay application has not been determined. Filing an appeal does not...