The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has commended the Federal High Court in Abuja for its judgment nullifying the party leadership led by former Senate President David Mark and the presidential candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Bala described the judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu as an independent and courageous decision, insisting that political parties must operate within the provisions of their constitutions and the Electoral Act.

The court had nullified the Mark-led National Working Committee and invalidated decisions taken under its leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The suit was instituted by Bala, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Reacting to the ruling, Bala said the judgment reinforced the principles of internal democracy, party autonomy and constitutional compliance.

He further maintained that political parties must respect their internal rules and existing legal provisions rather than allow political considerations to determine their leadership structures.

Meanwhile, the ADC has rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge it through the appropriate judicial channels, describing the ruling as a threat to the democratic rights of its members and candidates.

The development has further deepened the leadership crisis within the opposition party as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.