The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened as chairmen of the party in 19 Northern states have rejected the removal of Senator David Mark-led national leadership.

The chairmen described the Federal High Court judgment as a departure from established judicial precedents, insisting that the decision would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

They also disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged procedural irregularities and disregard for an earlier judgment by a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

The position was contained in a joint statement signed by the 19 state chairmen following the November 5 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The forum argued that the ruling contradicted an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman, which affirmed the leadership transition that produced the David Mark-led National Working Committee, with Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The chairmen further questioned the court’s jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, citing provisions of the Electoral Act and previous Supreme Court decisions.

They also faulted the court for allegedly dismissing 27 preliminary objections and applications without granting the affected parties a hearing.

According to the forum, the judgment has implications for the political rights of ADC members and aspirants, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who were not joined in the suit.

The northern chairmen reaffirmed their support for the Mark-led leadership, warning that the development could weaken opposition politics and threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

They disclosed that their legal team had filed a notice of appeal and applications for interim injunctions and a stay of execution.

The forum urged party members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and committed as the legal battle continues.