The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated into open protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as party members accused judicial officers of blocking their legal challenge against the nullification of David Mark’s leadership.
Protesters accused Justice Peter Lifu of withholding the November 5 judgment, obstructing their right to appeal. Former FCT ADC Acting Chairman Yusuf Tijani called the ruling a “sham” and urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene, noting the Supreme Court had previously affirmed Mark’s leadership.
This follows a November 10 petition to Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho by the ADC Candidates’ Forum. Signed by Audu Aliyu, the petition stated that despite prompt payment, the registry had failed to release the Certified True Copy (CTC) five days post-ruling.
The group warned that withholding the document until election deadlines expire nullifies their rights, declaring, “Democracy dies not by coup, but by Registry delay”.
The forum also alleged that the ruling APC is pressuring INEC to enforce the judgment prematurely. Copies of the petition were sent to top judicial, legal, and electoral authorities.
The dispute follows Justice Lifu’s ruling in a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe, which voided Mark’s leadership and nullified key decisions, including Atiku Abubakar’s nomination as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.
The ADC has filed a notice of appeal and requested a stay of execution.
