By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by former Senate President David Mark, throwing the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections into uncertainty.
The court also invalidated decisions taken under the Mark-led leadership, including the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions reached at the ADC’s July 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the leadership structure of the party, claiming that he was constitutionally entitled to lead the ADC.
Following the ruling, Atiku Abubakar and the Mark-led faction vowed to appeal the judgment, insisting on their position in the party.
However, Gombe rejected calls for reconciliation, urging members of the affected faction to register as ordinary members of the party.
The judgment has triggered reactions across the political landscape, with opposition figures and political parties expressing concern over its implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the survival of opposition politics.
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP), reportedly criticised the development, warning that it could weaken opposition forces and limit political choices available to Nigerian voters.
The ruling has further raised questions about the ADC’s ability to resolve its leadership crisis and sustain its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
NJC Suspends Three Judges, Disciplines Six Others Over Misconduct
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judicial officers for one year without pay over allegations of judicial misconduct and breaches of professional conduct.
The affected officers are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of Nasarawa State, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of Jigawa State and Justice Sobere Biambo of Rivers State.
The council also barred Justices Kabir and Biambo from promotion for three years.
According to the disciplinary decisions, the sanctions were linked to various judicial infractions, including unlawful detention, reopening of concluded cases and the imposition of fines without following due process.
Six other judicial officers also received warning letters or cautions over different breaches of judicial conduct.
The NJC further cautioned judicial officers against issuing conflicting court orders, delaying judgments, denying parties fair hearing and disregarding proceedings or decisions of appellate courts.
In another decision, Justice Bello Kawu was placed on the council’s Watch List over his handling of proceedings involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Meanwhile, the council recommended 28 candidates for judicial appointments across five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It also directed that the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, be included on the shortlist for appointment as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
The disciplinary measures form part of the NJC’s efforts to strengthen judicial accountability, uphold professional standards and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.
