A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Nigeria’s 2027 general election, in a ruling that leaves the opposition party’s preparations uncertain before polling day. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgement on Thursday, 5 November 2026, ruling that the party leadership which produced Atiku’s candidacy had not been lawfully constituted.
FAKTA
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
- Judge: Justice Peter Lifu
- Ruling date: 5 November 2026
- Election date: 16 January 2027
- Party involved: African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe
- Current status: ADC has appealed; electoral body yet to act
What the Court Decided
The court nullified the leadership of the ADC headed by former Senate President David Mark, holding that the caretaker committee was illegally constituted and that its emergence violated the party’s constitution as well as relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution. It therefore set aside the decisions taken under that leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
The judgement also nullified the emergence of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary. The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on 27 July 2025. The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, who challenged how Mark and the caretaker committee assumed control.
Appeal and the Electoral Commission’s Position
The ADC has rejected the ruling and moved to challenge it. Aregbesola filed a notice of appeal through counsel Mohammed Sheriff, asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the decision, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the party leadership dispute. A stay-of-execution motion was also filed on 7 November.
Atiku said his campaign would continue despite the court decision and vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. The dispute is not finally settled; the appeal will decide the party’s recognised leadership and the validity of its candidates. INEC has clarified that it has not yet received the Certified True Copy of the judgement and has taken no decision on its implementation; its legal department will examine the orders once the transcript is secured, and the findings will go before the full commission next week.
High Stakes Ahead of the 2027 Vote
Atiku, a former vice-president and runner-up in the last presidential election, had held a campaign rally in Sokoto State a day before the ruling. President Bola Tinubu remains the frontrunner for re-election, while opposition candidate Peter Obi could also challenge, although the opposition has struggled to unite behind one candidate.
The ruling has raised questions about public trust in the electoral process. Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election with only 27 percent voter turnout, the lowest since civilian rule returned in 1999. Follow Watan News for further updates on Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
