Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, has commended the Nigerian judiciary after a Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the David Mark-led leadership of the party. In a statement, Atiku described the ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Court Dismisses Suit Against David Mark's ADC Leadership
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives currently with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit sought to challenge the leadership of Senator David Mark over the ADC. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the presiding judge ruled that the plaintiff failed to exhaust internal party dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
Atiku Applauds Judiciary for Courage and Independence
Reacting to the ruling, Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued a statement obtained by Legit.ng. Atiku said the judiciary 'once again demonstrated courage, independence, and fidelity to the constitution in the face of sustained attempts by desperate political actors to weaponise the courts against the opposition.' He added that the ruling 'reaffirmed the settled legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided therein,' as reported by The Punch.
Atiku: Democracy Has Prevailed
The former Vice President's statement read in part: 'We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare. There is an African proverb which says that no matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break. Today's ruling is another reminder that while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.'
Atiku further noted that the judgment comes at a time when 'certain desperate elements operating from the corridors of power have sought, through every conceivable means, to destabilise the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change.' He alleged political intimidation, sponsored litigation, and abuse of state power against the opposition.
ADC Rejects Deregistration Order
Earlier, the ADC had opposed a separate Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other parties. In a statement, ADC National Spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling, arguing it contradicted established legal precedents and INEC's own positions on party deregistration. The party vowed to appeal the decision.
ADC Emerges as Key Opposition Party Ahead of 2027
With the court affirming David Mark's leadership, the ADC is positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku, who joined the ADC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been rallying support for his candidacy. The party has also been in talks with other opposition figures, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is reportedly considering joining the ADC.
