ADC appeals judgment sacking Mark-led leadership, insists its candidates remain valid until ….

The African Democratic Congress has filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party and nullified all decisions taken by that leadership, including the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the party’s National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE APPEAL

Ukandu said the party had filed a notice of appeal and would pursue the case to the highest court in the land.

“We have appealed the judgment. Our lawyers are working on it, and we will challenge it at the appellate court. We believe the judgment is flawed,” he said .

The ADC is also expected to apply for a stay of execution, which would suspend the effect of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

Without a stay, the judgment remains in force, and the ADC has no valid candidates for the 2027 elections.

THE JUDGMENT

Justice Peter Lifu had on Thursday held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.

He also ordered INEC not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025.

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The judgment nullified the nominations of all ADC candidates for the 2027 elections, including Atiku’s presidential ticket.

THE LEGAL PATH AHEAD

The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, which has the power to uphold, overturn, or modify the judgment of the Federal High Court.

If the Court of Appeal rules against the ADC, the party can take the case to the Supreme Court.Until the appeal is determined, the judgment remains binding. The ADC’s candidates are, legally, not valid.

WHY IT MATTERS

The ADC’s appeal is a last-ditch effort to salvage its 2027 ambitions.Atiku Abubakar has insisted that no court ruling can keep him off the ballot, but the law says otherwise.

Until the appeal is decided, he is not a valid candidate. And the party he hopes to lead is in legal limbo.

The appeal has been filed. The legal battle continues. And the clock is ticking toward the 2027 election. ValidViewNetwork reports.