‘ADC Will Be On The Ballot In 2027’ – David Mark Rejects Court Deregistration Order

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has insisted that the party would remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

Naija News reports that Mark made the submission in reaction to Monday’s court judgment, which ordered the deregistration of the party and four others.

He described the judgment as a temporary setback that would be overturned on appeal.

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ruling that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

But Mark, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, after receiving a delegation of ADC candidates in Abuja, expressed confidence that the judgment would not stand.

“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process. We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” he said.

The former Senate President argued that the ruling raised serious concerns about due process and democratic participation, noting that the Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of proceedings and adjourned the matter to October 27, 2027.

According to him, the judgment amounted to “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.”

“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process.

Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” Mark added.

He urged party members and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the ADC would continue preparations for the upcoming elections.