NDC Raises Concern Over Court Ruling on ADC Leadership
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has cautioned the judiciary against being drawn into political disputes, warning that court decisions affecting opposition parties could weaken democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.
The warning followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja on November 5, 2026, which nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress National Working Committee led by David Mark.
In a statement issued on Friday, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said the party respected the judiciary but was concerned that rulings of this kind could create the impression that the courts were being used to undermine opposition voices.
“The way some of these judgments are being delivered, particularly by High Courts, suggests a deliberate effort to shut out the ADC from the forthcoming general elections by other means,” the statement said. The NDC added that such developments could further narrow the space for multi-party democracy, which it said was already under pressure.
The party urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence, impartiality and integrity. It also called on the ADC to appeal the ruling promptly and asked the appellate court to hear the case on an accelerated basis, citing the approaching election and the need to avoid uncertainty that could affect democratic participation.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the Mark-led leadership, which emerged after former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned, had not been formed in accordance with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act or the 1999 Constitution.
The case was brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, who argued that the party’s constitution entitled him to assume its leadership.
The court also voided decisions made by the Mark-led leadership, including the ADC’s 2027 presidential primary, which produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate. It directed the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise those decisions.
The ADC and Atiku have rejected the judgment and said they intend to appeal.
