Governorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called on appellate courts to review a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s David Mark-led leadership, warning that the ruling could deepen uncertainty for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates, under the Forum of ADC Governorship Candidates, also urged international organisations and election-monitoring institutions to pay closer attention to Nigeria’s political environment, particularly developments they believe could affect multiparty democracy and electoral competition.
They made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, following the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the ADC leadership under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership.
Represented by the party’s Kwara State governorship candidate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, the forum argued that the judgment had implications beyond the ADC’s internal affairs, raising questions about judicial consistency, political participation and the ability of opposition parties to prepare for the 2027 elections.
The candidates said thousands of ADC members and aspirants had invested time and resources in preparations for the polls and should not be left uncertain about their right to participate in the electoral process.
“We are not asking for immunity from the law. No political party should be above the law. However, the law must be applied consistently, impartially and without discrimination,” the forum said.
ADC candidates question conflicting court decisions
The forum questioned the relationship between Justice Lifu’s November 5 ruling and an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which the candidates said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
They argued that the differences between the decisions raised legal questions that should be resolved by appellate courts in line with judicial hierarchy, precedent and constitutional principles.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Its authority rests not merely on the power to deliver judgments but also on public confidence in its impartiality, consistency and independence,” the candidates said.
They stressed that their criticism of the ruling did not amount to a rejection of the judiciary, adding that the party would pursue available legal remedies within the constitutional framework.
Opposition warns against weakening multiparty democracy
The ADC governorship candidates also expressed concern over what they described as a difficult political environment for opposition parties under President Bola Tinubu.
They warned that developments capable of progressively weakening opposition parties could undermine electoral competition and leave voters with fewer meaningful choices.
“Democracy is about competition, not coronation,” the forum declared, urging Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow Nigerians to determine the country’s political leadership through a free and competitive electoral process.
The candidates maintained that political power belonged to the Nigerian people and should not be treated as the property of any individual or political party.
Addressing the President, they urged him to allow his administration’s performance to determine whether voters would grant him another term.
“Democracy is bigger than your ambition. Nigeria is bigger than the APC. The Nigerian presidency is bigger than any individual or political family,” they said.
Forum seeks international attention ahead of 2027 elections
The candidates called on the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, international human rights organisations and election-monitoring institutions to closely monitor Nigeria’s political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
They urged the international community to engage Nigerian authorities on protecting political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for political parties.
The forum clarified that its appeal was not an invitation for foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process.
Rather, it said international institutions should encourage the country to uphold its democratic commitments under regional and international instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The candidates argued that credible elections should not be measured only by the conduct of voting but also by whether political parties can organise freely, candidates can campaign without hindrance and citizens can participate without intimidation.
“The right to contest elections must not become a privilege granted by those in power. The right to choose leaders belongs to the Nigerian people,” the forum said.
ADC demands action from INEC, National Assembly
Beyond the call for appellate review, the candidates urged President Tinubu and APC leaders to publicly reaffirm their commitment to multiparty democracy and avoid actions that could undermine opposition parties.
They also called for the protection of ADC members, candidates and supporters across the country, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The National Assembly and other democratic institutions were asked to strengthen safeguards against the abuse of institutional processes that could restrict political competition.
The forum further called on political actors to respect judicial independence and refrain from conduct capable of intimidating or influencing the courts.
It urged ADC members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues its legal options.
Concluding its statement, the forum declared: “Democracy is not a coronation. Elections are not an appointment. Political power is not an inheritance.”
It maintained that the Nigerian electorate must ultimately decide who governs the country through the ballot box.
Primary Keyword: ADC leadership court ruling
News Angle: ADC governorship candidates challenge the November 5 judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership, seek appellate review and call for international attention to Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Meta Description (160 characters): ADC governorship candidates challenge the Lifu ruling, seek appellate review and urge international attention to opposition rights ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
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Tags/Keywords: ADC, ADC leadership crisis, Justice Peter Lifu, David Mark, Zakari Mohammed, ADC governorship candidates, 2027 general elections, Nigerian opposition, multiparty democracy, Bola Tinubu, APC, INEC, Federal High Court, Nigerian judiciary
