WorldStage– The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally appealed a Federal High Court judgment that nullified its national leadership and presidential primary.
The suit, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, was initiated by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former national deputy chairman who successfully challenged the internal transition of leadership within the party.
Responding swiftly to the judicial setback, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council confirmed on Friday that its legal team has filed a notice of appeal along with an urgent application for a stay of execution.
Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the council, stated that INEC was officially served with the legal notices on November 6, 2026.
The party has simultaneously petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pause all related actions while the appellate process unfolds.
The legal dispute arises from a November 5, 2026 ruling by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, which dissolved the David Mark-led caretaker committee and invalidated the primary that nominated Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for 2027.
In response, the ADC’s legal team, headed by Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, SAN, filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution.
Shaibu confirmed that INEC has been served and cautioned the commission against acting prematurely.
“The judgment is now under challenge before a higher court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course,” Shaibu stated, urging INEC to respect the pending proceedings.
“The application for a stay has not yet been determined. INEC must therefore exercise restraint,” Shaibu stated.
He emphasized that the electoral body must respect the ongoing judicial process and allow the higher appellate court to review the legal merits of the lower court’s decision.
While expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal will restore stability, ADC leadership has called on members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that campaign schedules will continue uninterrupted.
It reaffirmed its commitment to presenting Nigerians with its policy proposals, particularly measures aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving citizens’ welfare.
ADC expressed confidence in the judicial process and vowed to pursue all available legal avenues to protect its interests.
However, the filing of an appeal and an application for a stay does not automatically suspend the Federal High Court judgment; the application must first be determined by the appropriate court.
