…says Lifu’s verdict academic, overtaken by events
African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC) has dismissed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying its leadership and the nomination of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, describing the ruling as an “academic exercise” that has been overtaken by events.
The judgment, delivered in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu, purported to void the leadership of National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, alongside the party’s presidential nomination.
In a press statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity for the ADC PCC, the campaign council declared the ruling a “futility.”
The council argued that the judgment cannot override an existing, valid decision on the exact same matter by a court of coordinate jurisdiction.
The ADC recalled an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ruled that the leadership transition from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark complied with the party’s constitution. That previous ruling confirmed that a stakeholders’ meeting on July 2, 2025, preceded the July 29, 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where Mark and Aregbesola emerged. The NEC meeting was officially monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The leadership question has already been subjected to judicial scrutiny,” the statement read, adding that a subsequent pronouncement cannot simply erase an existing judicial decision without violating the principles of justice.
The council also questioned the timing of the judgment, linking it to partisan politics. It contrasted the ruling with what it described as a “failed” ruling party (APC) campaign kick-off in Kaduna and the ADC’s “hugely successful” campaign launch in Sokoto.
The ADC alleged that the APC is attempting to use the judiciary to frustrate the opposition rather than confronting them at the ballot box.
Furthermore, the statement criticised Justice Lifu, noting he was the same judge who previously declared the party deregistered—a decision that was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.
The ADC claimed the current proceedings were marred by allegations of political pressure and interference, urging that the integrity of the judiciary must not be sacrificed for partisan interests.
Reaffirming its structure, the council stated that Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remain the recognised leaders of the party.
The ADC’s legal team is already taking immediate steps to secure a stay of execution and file an official appeal, the statement said.
Urging party members and supporters to remain calm and vigilant, the campaign council declared that its campaign continues uninterrupted.
“The struggle for a better Nigeria remains unstoppable,” Ologbondiyan concluded.
