The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring the caretaker committee that oversaw the party’s affairs illegal and invalidating all decisions taken by the committee.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, also affects the presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, whose name had earlier been published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s presidential candidate, had already selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the process through which the David Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.

Gombe argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the leadership.

He consequently asked the court to invalidate all actions undertaken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from presenting themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff maintained that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

In suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the ADC, INEC, Senator David Mark, Aregbesola and Chief Ralph Nwosu were listed as defendants.

Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, effectively invalidating the authority of the caretaker committee and decisions taken under its leadership.

The verdict is expected to trigger fresh political uncertainty within the ADC, particularly over Atiku’s presidential ambition and the party’s preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

However, the party has vowed to challenge the judgment at the appellate court.

Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director-General/CEO of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has been honoured with Changemaker Climate Leadership Award at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards on the 3rd November 2026 at Habout point, Victoria Island,Lagos

The award recognises Professor Anosike’s leadership in advancing meteorological development, institutional reforms and the application of weather and climate information to national development. It also acknowledges his efforts in repositioning NiMet as a more technologically driven, responsive and service-oriented institution, with enhanced capacity to provide weather and climate intelligence that supports economic activities, protects lives and strengthens national resilience.

Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in December 2023, Professor Anosike has pursued a reform agenda focused on strengthening the Agency’s scientific capabilities, modernising its operations and ensuring that meteorological information translates into measurable public value. His leadership has reinforced the strategic importance of meteorology to critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly aviation, agriculture, disaster risk management and climate adaptation.

His leadership has also positioned NiMet to play a more active role in the global conversation on climate resilience, early warning systems, sustainable investment and the application of science to development. These efforts align with the growing recognition that timely and reliable weather and climate information is essential to reducing disaster risks, protecting livelihoods and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The Changemaker Climate Leadership Award, presented during the centenary celebration of The Daily Times of Nigeria, is a recognition of Professor Anosike’s leadership and the institutional progress recorded under his stewardship. It underscores the importance of strong meteorological institutions in addressing the challenges of climate variability and change, strengthening national preparedness and supporting informed decision-making across all sectors.

For NiMet, the recognition reinforces the Agency’s commitment to delivering timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information in support of national safety, economic productivity and sustainable development.

Under Professor Anosike’s leadership, the Agency continues to advance meteorological services beyond forecasting atmospheric conditions to providing actionable intelligence that safeguards lives, supports livelihoods and contributes meaningfully to national development.

The North-West Zonal Organising Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Aliyu M. Tukur Gantsa, says top politicians in the region have given up their political independence to President Bola Tinubu.

He accused them of doing so for personal survival and selfish interests.

Gantsa said the North-West has lost its political voice and bargaining power, adding that many influential politicians now care more about getting favours from the Federal Government than defending their people.

He spoke to journalists in Sokoto ahead of the ADC presidential campaign flag-off for the 2027 elections. He called the situation a betrayal of democratic principles.

He said politics in the region has been reduced to personal survival, defections and political calculations. In his view, ideology and issue-based programmes have been left behind.
Gantsa named several former governors he accused of aligning with Tinubu. From Jigawa, he listed Ali Sa’ad, Saminu Turaki, Sule Lamido and Badaru Abubakar. From Kano, he named Ibrahim Shekarau, Kabiru Gaya, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje. From Katsina, he named Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema.
He also listed former Sokoto governors Attahiru Bafarawa and Aliyu Wamakko. From Kebbi, he named former governors Usman Dakingari and Adamu Aliero, along with the current governor, Nasir Idris.