By George Omagbemi
ABUJA, Nigeria — Members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, staged a protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment nullifying the party’s National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.
The protesters accused the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, of delaying the release of the judgment delivered on November 5, arguing that the delay was preventing them from effectively challenging the decision at the Court of Appeal.
They also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene and ensure that the certified document was made available.
Speaking during the demonstration, former Acting Chairman of the ADC in the Federal Capital Territory, Yusuf Shehu Tijani, described the judgment as a “sham” and demanded its immediate release.
He argued that the party could not exercise its constitutional right to appeal without obtaining the certified copy.
The protest followed a petition dated November 10, submitted by members of the ADC Candidates’ Forum to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
In the petition, signed by Audu Aliyu, the candidates said their lawyers applied for the CTC immediately after the judgment and paid the prescribed fees. However, they alleged that five days later, the document had not been released despite repeated visits to the court registry.
The November 5 judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, who challenged the emergence of Mark as the party’s national chairman after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Justice Lifu nullified Mark’s emergence and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership, including actions relating to the party’s 2027 election preparations. The ruling also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the party’s July 27, 2025, National Executive Committee meeting.
The ADC has filed a notice of appeal and applied for a stay of execution.
The protesters maintained that obtaining the certified judgment was necessary to pursue their legal challenge. They also urged the NJC to examine their complaint about the alleged delay.
The development adds another dimension to the ADC’s leadership crisis as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
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