Court of Appeal rules against Mark-led ADC congresses, bars INEC recognition

The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling barring INEC from recognizing state congresses organized by Senator David Mark’s caretaker leadership of the ADC, a decision that could jeopardize Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential candidacy.

Appeal Court Bars INEC from Recognising Mark-led ADC Congresses

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed, in a split 2-1 ruling, that INEC cannot recognise state congresses organised by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC, according to Vanguard.

Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo upheld the Federal High Court’s restraining order, ruling that only elected state executive committees can conduct congresses. Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, calling the matter a non-justiciable internal party affair.

The ruling could jeopardise the presidential candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, who emerged through the Mark-led faction’s national congress. The ADC was fined N10 million and says it will appeal to the Supreme Court.