BREAKING: Court sacks David Mark as Chairman of ADC, nullifies Atiku’s presidential ticket

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Thursday, sacked Senator David Mark as National Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC in leadership tussle that has been lingering in Court.

Under this development, actions taken by the leadership have been nullified, including the primary election that birthed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi joint ticket presidential candidate in 2027 general election.

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Justice Peter Lifu in his judgement on Thursday submitted that David Mark-led caretaker committee was illegal having violated the African Democratic Congress Constitution.

Life averred that the Electoral Act didn’t support the caretaker committee of political parties, hence, such caretaker committee lacks inherent powers to produce a standard flag bearer.

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The suit was filed by the former National Deputy Chairman, North-East, Bala Gombe.

He contended that he was supposed to take over the leadership of ADC after the pioneer National Chairman, Prof. Ralph Nwosu resigned, pleading the Court of justice to render every action of David Mark-led leadership’s activities a nullity.

He further urged the Court to stop David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.

Justice Lifu agreed.

“All actions taken by the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, including the presidential primary, are illegal, null and void,” the court ruled, effectively stripping Atiku of the party ticket on the eve of the final stretch to 2027.

Reacting to the judgement, ADC National Welfare Secretary, Mr. Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was joined as an interested party, said the judgment will be challenged at the Court of Appeal, insisting the Mark leadership and Atiku’s candidacy remain intact pending appeal.

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