The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy following a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the party’s leadership structure and the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party described the judgment as a dangerous development that could threaten political stability and weaken democratic competition ahead of the forthcoming presidential election.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
ADC Accuses APC of Targeting Opposition
Reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the ADC alleged that the ruling was part of an attempt to weaken the opposition and frustrate its growing political influence.
The party expressed concern over the timing of the judgment, which came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State.
According to the ADC, the massive turnout recorded at the rally demonstrated growing public support for the party and its political agenda.
The opposition party suggested that the ruling APC was uncomfortable with the emergence of a stronger opposition platform capable of challenging its political dominance in 2027.
The ADC insisted that the dispute was not merely about Atiku Abubakar or former Senate President David Mark but also about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.
Party Rejects Judgment Nullifying Atiku’s Candidacy
The ADC strongly rejected the judgment, which invalidated the David Mark-led caretaker leadership and decisions taken under its administration.
The ruling also affected the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary, alongside other national officers.
Furthermore, the court nullified the nominations of candidates presented by the party for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential process that produced Atiku Abubakar as its flag bearer.
The judgment followed a legal challenge instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who questioned the process through which David Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed leadership of the party.
The plaintiff argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership.
Justice Lifu upheld the plaintiff’s position, declaring the Mark-led caretaker leadership illegal and invalidating its actions.
ADC Cites Previous Court Judgment
In rejecting the latest ruling, the ADC referred to an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The party maintained that the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
The ADC argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction does not have the authority to sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify an existing judgment delivered by another court of equal jurisdiction.
The party described this as a fundamental legal issue that must be addressed through the appropriate judicial channels.
However, the ADC stated that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment to properly examine its terms, scope and consequential orders.
‘You Are Playing With Fire’ — ADC Warns APC
In one of its strongest statements, the opposition party warned the APC against what it described as attempts to eliminate political competition through judicial controversies.
The ADC cautioned that political desperation and efforts to retain power should not be allowed to endanger Nigeria’s peace and democratic stability.
The party maintained that the presidency was not an inheritance and that political leadership should ultimately be determined by Nigerians through credible, free and fair elections.
It also questioned why the ruling party would be concerned about opposition activities if it remained confident in its performance and electoral popularity.
The ADC warned that Nigeria’s stability was more important than the political ambitions of any individual or political organisation.
ADC Vows to Challenge Judgment
Despite the setback, the ADC declared that it would challenge the judgment through every available legal avenue.
The party maintained that it would not surrender its political aspirations or allow its candidates and supporters to be deprived of their democratic rights.
It also called on the judiciary to remain independent and resist any attempt by political interests to influence judicial decisions.
The party urged Nigerians to defend democratic principles and protect the country’s multiparty political system.
Party Appeals for Calm
While expressing its dissatisfaction with the judgment, the ADC appealed to its members, supporters and stakeholders across the country to remain calm and law-abiding.
The party urged its supporters not to take the law into their hands while its legal team pursues the necessary appeals.
The latest development has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and raised questions about the future of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.
With the party promising to challenge the ruling, the legal battle is expected to remain a major issue in Nigeria’s unfolding political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The central question now is whether the ADC can overturn the judgment and restore its leadership structure and presidential ticket before the next general election.
Editorial note: The allegations of political interference and attempts to weaken the opposition are the ADC’s claims and have not been established as judicial findings. The court’s decision remains subject to any appeal and further judicial determination.