ADC Katsina State Chapter Lauds Federal High Court Judgement Sacking David Mark-led Leadership

The African Democratic Congress, Katsina State Chapter, has received with profound respect for the rule of law, the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered today 5th November, 2026 by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Peter Lifu.

1. The Judgment is Clear and Substantive
   The Court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 instituted by former Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, nullified the entire leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by Senator David Mark and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola.

The Court declared that their emergence as National Chairman, National Secretary and other National Officers was unlawful, unconstitutional and in flagrant violation of the ADC Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Consequently, the Court invalidated ALL decisions, administrative actions, primary elections, and candidate nominations conducted under the said illegal caretaker committee, including the nomination of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

1. Clarification on Interlocutory vs Substantive Matter
   For the avoidance of doubt and for members of the public acting on ignorance of the law:

The Supreme Court had earlier dealt only with the INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION aspect, preserving acting capacity pending determination. The Supreme Court expressly directed that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for determination of the SUBSTANTIVE case.

What was delivered today is the determination of that substantive hearing. This is not an interlocutory order that can be said to be subsisting. It is a final judgment on the merits. All actions taken since the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 27, 2025, stand annulled, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been ordered not to recognize or act on them.

1. Implication
   By the operation of this judgment:
   a) The ADC, as presently constituted under the Mark-led committee, has no candidate from presidential to State Assembly level for the 2027 elections.
   b) The only constitutionally recognized leadership is that of the substantive National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who by the constitution assumes leadership following the resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu.
   c) INEC is by order of Court bound to remove all names submitted by the illegal leadership from its portal and to cease recognition of same.
2. Position of Katsina State Chapter
   The Katsina State Chapter, IBB Way, stands firmly with the Constitution of our great party and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We align completely with the judgment of the Court and call on all our members, supporters, Local Government and Ward Executives across the 34 LGAs of Katsina State to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast.

We urge all members to disregard any invitation, directive or gathering convened by the sacked caretaker committee. No such gathering has legal effect.

We reaffirm our loyalty to the legitimate leadership of the party under Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe and our commitment to rebuild a lawful, inclusive and people-oriented ADC in Katsina State.

1. Call to Action
   We call on INEC to immediately comply with the Court order and update its portal accordingly in the interest of justice and electoral integrity.

We call on security agencies and the general public to take note of the true legal status of the party leadership.

The ADC Katsina State Chapter will continue to mobilize and prepare for victory in 2027 under a lawful and legitimate platform.

We thank you for your understanding.

Signed:

Nasiru Umar Dutsinma
State Party Secretary
African Democratic Congress
Katsina State Chapter