The political future of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election remains uncertain following a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark and decisions taken under its authority.

The development has placed the ADC’s leadership structure and its preparations for the 2027 general election under fresh legal scrutiny, although the party has moved to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, delivered the judgment on November 5, 2026, in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe over the leadership crisis within the opposition party.

The court set aside the leadership arrangement involving the David Mark-led faction and decisions taken under it, including those connected with the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

The ruling has raised questions about the status of decisions made by the affected leadership, particularly the process through which Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

However, the precise implication of the judgment for Atiku’s candidacy has become a subject of legal disagreement within the party.

Following the judgment, the ADC rejected the decision and filed a notice of appeal on November 6, 2026, seeking to overturn the ruling.

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The party also filed an application at the Federal High Court for a stay of execution, asking the court to suspend the implementation of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal.

As of November 13, 2026, the application for a stay of execution had not been heard or granted. This means that the filing of the appeal, by itself, has not suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court.

The distinction is significant because an appeal does not automatically stop the enforcement of a court judgment. A specific order granting a stay or a subsequent decision setting aside the judgment would be required to alter its immediate legal effect.

Meanwhile, the ADC has disputed suggestions that the judgment expressly cancelled Atiku’s presidential nomination.

The party’s lawyer, Kalu Kalu, argued on November 12 that Justice Lifu did not specifically make an order nullifying Atiku’s candidacy. He maintained that the court’s decision should be interpreted strictly according to the orders contained in the judgment.

The argument represents the ADC’s interpretation of the ruling and has not, by itself, altered the judgment or resolved the legal questions surrounding the party’s leadership and nomination process.

The controversy has placed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a delicate position as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will comply with any final court decision concerning Atiku’s eligibility and the ADC leadership dispute.

Amupitan’s position indicates that the electoral commission intends to allow the judicial process to determine the legal implications of the dispute rather than take a position ahead of the courts.

The commission’s eventual action will therefore depend on the relevant court orders and the outcome of the pending legal proceedings.

For now, the November 5 Federal High Court judgment remains operative because the ADC’s application for a stay had not been granted as of November 13. At the same time, the party’s appeal leaves room for a higher court to review the decision.

The dispute is another major challenge for the ADC as it seeks to consolidate its position as an opposition platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku’s participation in the election will ultimately depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings and the interpretation of any final court orders affecting the party’s leadership and nomination process.

Until the Court of Appeal or another competent court makes a decision capable of changing the present position, neither the filing of the appeal nor the ADC lawyer’s interpretation should be treated as a final judicial determination of Atiku’s eligibility.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has gained entry into Gombe State despite bonfires, roadblocks and reported attacks on vehicles conveying his supporters, amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Pantami, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, arrived in the state capital on Wednesday, November 11, for a political reception organised by the party and his supporters.

The arrival reportedly triggered tension along Jekadafari Road, near the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, where suspected political thugs allegedly blocked the road with used tyres and set them ablaze.

The burning tyres sent thick smoke into the surrounding neighbourhood, disrupted traffic and caused panic among residents, traders and motorists. Some traders reportedly closed their shops as the situation deteriorated.

Despite the obstruction, Pantami’s motorcade, said to comprise hundreds of vehicles, proceeded through the affected area and continued towards the rally venue.

The situation reportedly escalated when another group of youths attacked vehicles in the procession, smashing the windscreens of several cars and causing panic among occupants and other road users.

Security personnel subsequently intervened, extinguished the burning tyres and restored traffic movement in the area.

Pantami’s reception was organised by the Gombe State PDP following the appearance of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of governorship candidates.

The former minister was later received by supporters at the Emir’s Palace in Gombe, where he addressed party members and outlined some of his development priorities.

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Speaking at the gathering, Pantami criticised what he described as the treatment of public resources as political spoils, insisting that the wealth of Gombe State belonged to its people and should be used to improve their living conditions.

He pledged to prioritise employment opportunities, youth empowerment, agricultural development and support for local businesses if elected governor.

“Gombe’s resources belong to the people of Gombe; they are not spoils of war. What I intend to do is provide jobs for the people, support youths and farmers, and make fertiliser available to boost agricultural production,” he said.

Pantami also promised to promote the award of government contracts to local contractors, arguing that such a policy would create employment, generate income and strengthen businesses within the state.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the attack on the PDP candidate’s convoy, describing the incident as an act of political thuggery.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said investigations had commenced to identify those responsible for the violence.

He explained that security personnel had been deployed to maintain order but some individuals allegedly took advantage of the crowd to barricade roads and attack vehicles.

The police spokesman disclosed that no arrests had been made as of Thursday, November 12, adding that the command could not establish the exact number of vehicles affected because no formal complaints had been lodged at police stations.

He assured residents that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted and urged members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation.

However, the Gombe State APC Campaign Council has presented a different account of the incident, accusing supporters of Pantami of allegedly destroying properties belonging to residents and members of the ruling party.

The council’s Deputy Director of Media, Dahiru Hassan Kera, condemned the alleged destruction of vehicles, shops and political billboards, warning that such actions could worsen political tension in the state.

Kera called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and bring anyone found responsible to justice. He also appealed to APC supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks.

The rival allegations have raised fresh concerns about political violence and the safety of residents as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election.

With the police investigation ongoing and no arrests announced, attention is now focused on the security agencies and political leaders to prevent further violence and ensure that political disagreements do not threaten public peace in the state.