The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted it will participate in the 2027 general election despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party leadership under which its candidates emerged.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS, ADC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party would challenge the judgment through legal channels and remain committed to democratic processes.
Ologbondiyan criticised the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, arguing that it contradicted an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman concerning the party's leadership dispute. He warned that conflicting decisions from judges of the same court could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
According to him, the party believes the judgment was aimed at disrupting its growing political momentum, particularly after a recent rally in Sokoto State. He claimed the ADC's campaign activities, including what he described as a large turnout at the Sokoto event and a renewed street-level mobilisation strategy, had unsettled political opponents.
"Those who say the ADC has rattled the presidency are speaking the truth," Ologbondiyan said, maintaining that efforts to hinder the party's activities would not succeed in excluding it from the electoral process.
The ADC spokesman also questioned how an earlier ruling that allegedly affirmed the legitimacy of the party's leadership was not given sufficient consideration in the latest proceedings. He accused the court of disregarding relevant legal precedents and expressed concern over what he described as inconsistencies in the judicial process.
Addressing the party's attempt to have Justice Lifu step aside from the case, Ologbondiyan said the ADC had petitioned the Chief Judge and argued that it no longer had confidence in the court's handling of the matter. However, the court dismissed the application, citing a lack of merit and supporting evidence.
He further raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the party's leadership, alleging contradictions in the actions and testimonies of some individuals involved in the process.
Despite the court ruling, Ologbondiyan reiterated that the ADC would pursue all available legal remedies while remaining committed to peace and stability.
"We will definitely follow the legal process," he said, adding that many supporters across the country had sought clarification on the party's next steps following the judgment.
The leadership crisis stems from a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which former Senate President David Mark and other party officials assumed office.
On November 5, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu ruled against the David Mark-led leadership and invalidated decisions taken under it, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC's presidential candidate.
The party, however, maintains that an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, upheld the legitimacy of the current leadership and says it will appeal the latest ruling.