The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the party, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend any action on the matter pending the determination of the appeal.

The party has also filed an application for a stay of execution, seeking to halt the implementation of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The ADC’s Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed that the party had filed a notice of appeal against the November 5 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.

Shaibu said INEC had been formally notified of the appeal and the application for a stay of execution, urging the commission to respect the judicial process and allow the Court of Appeal to determine the matter.

He warned that any action by INEC before the appeal is heard could pre-empt the appellate court and undermine efforts to resolve the leadership dispute.

In a related development, the party’s solicitors, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., wrote to the INEC Chairman on November 6, requesting that the commission suspend further action on the subject matter of the suit.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led caretaker committee following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Justice Lifu had declared the caretaker committee illegal and nullified its decisions, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Despite the legal setback, the ADC maintained that the development would not disrupt its political activities or preparations for the 2027 general election.

Shaibu urged party members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the party would continue its political engagements across the country while pursuing all lawful means to protect its interests.