The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment that dealt a major blow to the leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark, while asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking further action on the dispute pending the determination of its appeal.
The party also filed an application for a stay of execution of the judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja in the leadership dispute involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the party, it has formally notified INEC of the appeal and its application for a stay of execution, urging the electoral commission to exercise restraint and avoid taking any decision that could pre-empt the Court of Appeal.
ADC said its application for a stay of execution had yet to be determined, warning that INEC should not proceed as though the appeal and application did not exist.
The party argued that the appellate process must be allowed to run its course, insisting that the commission should avoid taking consequential steps that could undermine the judicial proceedings.
The Federal High Court judgment followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the legitimacy of the leadership structure that emerged under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
The ruling set aside decisions associated with the disputed leadership and directed INEC not to recognise the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting. It also affected the leadership positions and political decisions taken under the Mark-led structure, including the processes that produced the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment has consequently raised serious questions about the status of the ADC’s leadership and its preparations for the next general elections.
However, the ADC’s decision to appeal does not automatically suspend the judgment. Its application for a stay of execution must first be considered and granted by the court before the judgment’s execution is formally halted.
The party maintained that it would pursue all lawful avenues to protect its rights and urged members and supporters to remain calm, confident and steadfast despite the legal challenge.
It also insisted that the court judgment would not end its political activities or preparations for the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming its commitment to communicating its political agenda to Nigerians, the ADC said it would continue promoting its proposed policies, particularly those aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving citizens’ welfare.
The party expressed confidence in the judicial process and said it would continue pursuing justice through lawful means.
The appeal introduces another stage in the ADC leadership dispute, with the Court of Appeal now expected to consider the party’s challenge to the Federal High Court decision.
The legal outcome could have significant implications for the party’s leadership, its relationship with INEC and the validity of political decisions taken under the disputed national leadership.
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