ADC Appeals Judgment Sacking Mark-Led Leadership, Asks INEC to Suspend Action

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, has appealed the Federal High Court judgment that nullified its leadership structure, asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend further action pending the determination of the appeal.

The party disclosed on Friday that it had approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment delivered on November 5 by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja. It also filed an application seeking a stay of execution while the appeal is being considered.

In a statement, the ADC said it had formally notified INEC of the legal steps taken and urged the commission not to take further action on the matter until the appellate court considers the case.

The party argued that the pending application should be taken into account before INEC makes decisions that could affect its leadership and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The appeal follows a ruling that declared the Mark-led interim leadership unlawful and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s disputed national working committee, including the processes that produced its candidates for the forthcoming elections.

The judgment also affected the presidential nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the ADC’s candidate through a primary organised under the Mark-led leadership.

The ADC has disputed the ruling, citing an earlier judgment delivered by another Federal High Court judge, Justice Musa Liman, on July 2, 2026, which it says affirmed the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.

The party maintains that the latest decision raises legal questions because the two judgments were delivered by courts of coordinate jurisdiction. It has also rejected allegations that its leadership arrangements violated the party’s constitution.

The leadership dispute has created uncertainty for the opposition party as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.

The ADC said its political activities and campaigns would continue while it pursues the available legal remedies. It also called on its members and supporters to remain calm as the case moves to the appellate court.

The outcome of the appeal, alongside any decision on the application for a stay of execution, is expected to influence the party’s next steps and INEC’s handling of the dispute.

The filing of an appeal does not, by itself, mean the judgment has been suspended. The legal effect of the ruling will depend on the applicable court orders and subsequent decisions.