Lifu Judgment: ADC Vows Appeal, Insists David Mark Remains National Chairman

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which purportedly nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and voided the nomination of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Describing the ruling as an academic exercise that has been overtaken by events, the ADC PCC said its legal team was prepared to appeal the verdict.

The Council maintained that the judgment had no practical effect and could not override or displace an existing judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.

It recalled that the same Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, had already examined the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola. The court held that the transfer of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark did not violate the provisions of the party’s constitution.

Justice Liman acknowledged that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ meeting held before the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, where Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. The NEC meeting was also monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Council said the legal implications of that judgment could not be ignored, stressing that the leadership question had already been subjected to judicial scrutiny by a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

It therefore described it as untenable to suggest that a subsequent pronouncement could simply erase or displace an existing judicial decision without due regard to the principles governing judicial authority and the administration of justice.

The ADC PCC consequently described the latest ruling as an exercise in futility, adding that the party’s legal team was taking immediate steps to challenge the decision through the appropriate judicial channels.

Beyond the legal implications, however, the Council said the timing of the judgment raised serious concerns.
It noted that the ruling came against the backdrop of the failed APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna and the hugely successful and unprecedented ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto.

According to the Council, the contrast was unmistakable, as the ADC continued to gain momentum and attract growing national acceptance, while the ruling party appeared increasingly unsettled by the emergence of a formidable opposition.

It alleged that rather than confront the ADC politically and through the ballot box, the APC appeared increasingly desperate to deploy every available instrument to frustrate the opposition and undermine its growing electoral momentum.

The Council also expressed concern that Justice Lifu had once again become associated with a controversial judicial pronouncement involving the ADC.

It recalled that the same judge had earlier delivered a judgment declaring the party deregistered, which was subsequently set aside by the Court of Appeal.

The ADC PCC further disclosed that it was aware of developments surrounding the proceedings, including allegations of pressure and political interference.
It stressed that the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary must never be compromised or sacrificed in the interest of partisan political interests.

The Council, however, maintained that no amount of pressure, intimidation or judicial manoeuvring could extinguish the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who had found renewed hope in the ADC.

For the avoidance of doubt, it stated that Senator David Mark remained the National Chairman recognised by the party, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remained its National Secretary.

The Council added that the ADC remained focused, united and resolute in its determination to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.

It urged its candidates, members and supporters across the country to remain calm, vigilant and committed to their campaigns, assuring them that there was no cause for panic.

The party’s leadership, it said, remained firmly engaged in addressing the legal and political issues arising from the development.

The ADC PCC also called on Nigerians not to be distracted by the judgment but to draw greater inspiration from the collective struggle to defend multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.

It disclosed that the ADC legal team was already taking steps to seek appropriate interim relief, including a stay of execution where legally applicable, and would subsequently pursue an appeal against the judgment.

The Council concluded that the ADC was not distracted, insisting that its campaign would continue and that the struggle for a better Nigeria remained unstoppable.

Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media and Publicity
ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC)