… Urge International Intervention, Condemn Court Ruling Against David Mark Leadership
The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidates has condemned the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark, describing it as a threat to multiparty democracy and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Hon Zakari Mohammed made this revelation in a statement on Thursday on behalf of the Forum on Thursday in Abuja. 
The forum also called on the United Nations, African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth, European Union, United States and United Kingdom to closely monitor Nigeria’s political environment and intervene diplomatically to protect opposition politics.
The candidates made the demands in a statement issued at a press conference on November 7, 2026, in reaction to the November 5 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Lifu had nullified the Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken under its authority.
Describing the ruling as a grave assault on democratic freedoms, the governorship candidates argued that its implications extended beyond the internal affairs of the party, warning that it could undermine political participation and create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.
They expressed concern that the judgment could affect thousands of party members and aspirants across the country who had committed resources and time to pursuing elective offices on the ADC platform.
While acknowledging that political parties were not above the law, the forum insisted that judicial decisions must be consistent, impartial and free from discrimination.
The candidates also questioned the judgment’s relationship with an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which they said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
They argued that the conflicting decisions raised serious legal questions concerning judicial consistency, precedent and the authority of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Consequently, they urged the appellate courts to urgently examine the issues arising from Justice Lifu’s judgment and ensure that established judicial principles were upheld.
The forum also accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of creating an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties, warning against what it described as attempts to weaken political competition.
It maintained that Nigeria must not drift towards a one-party system, insisting that democracy could not thrive without a credible and vibrant opposition.
According to the candidates, President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress must allow Nigerians to determine the country’s political leadership through competitive elections rather than actions capable of weakening opposition platforms.
“Democracy is about competition, not coronation. If the President and his political associates believe that their performance deserves another mandate, they should present their records to Nigerians and allow the electorate to decide,” the forum said.
On the international dimension, the candidates urged the UN Secretary-General, AU Commission, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, European Union, United States and United Kingdom to engage Nigerian authorities over concerns about political pluralism, judicial independence and freedom of association.
They clarified that their appeal was not an invitation for foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process or dictate its political choices, but a call for the country to honour its international democratic commitments.
Citing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the forum said Nigeria had obligations to protect political participation, opposition parties and citizens’ rights to vote and contest elections.
The candidates warned that the cumulative effec got of political and legal controversies involving opposition parties could undermine the credibility of the 202
