The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially appealed the Federal High Court judgment that dissolved its National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark, while filing an application for a stay of execution.

The legal challenge follows a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the interim leadership headed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. The court ruled in favor of Nafiu Bala Gombe, the former Deputy National Chairman for the North East, who argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, rather than the appointment of a caretaker committee.

In addition to voiding the leadership appointments, the court's decision invalidated decisions from the party's 99th National Executive Committee meeting and nullified the presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party's candidate for the 2027 general election.

Through its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the party announced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was formally notified of the pending appeal and stay of execution. The ADC urged the electoral commission to exercise restraint and respect the judicial process, warning that any unilateral action while the appeal is active could pre-empt the Court of Appeal and complicate the ongoing dispute.

Despite the setback, the party leadership rejected the ruling and assured members that political activities and campaigns would proceed without interruption. The ADC emphasized its commitment to pursuing lawful avenues to protect its interests and ensure that the legal process runs its full course.