Court of Appeal voids Mark-led ADC congresses, convention

Nigeria’s Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling declaring congresses and a national convention organised by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress null and void, deepening a leadership crisis within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a split 2-1 decision, Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo held that only elected state executive committees, not the caretaker leadership, had authority to conduct state congresses, ruling that the Mark-led faction’s congresses defied a subsisting April court order. Presiding Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, arguing the dispute was a non-justiciable internal party matter. The court also awarded ₦10 million in costs against the ADC.

The party said it would appeal to the Supreme Court, insisting the ruling doesn’t affect candidates who emerged through its direct primaries. Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar dismissed suggestions the ruling invalidates his candidacy as “political propaganda,” arguing party congresses and statutory primary elections are legally distinct processes.

However, some analysts say the ruling could still complicate the standing of candidates who emerged through the Mark-led national convention.

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