African Democratic Congress confirms David Mark leadership, names Atiku’s spokesperson, sees APC defections

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed Senator David Mark as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, dismissing Representative Leke Abejide's suit and ordering him to pay costs. ADC officials hailed the judgment as a victory for constitutional democracy and party autonomy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's 2027 presidential candidate, appointed Nollywood actor‑politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his campaign spokesperson. Okonkwo, who previously criticised the party’s vice‑presidential pick Rotimi Amaechi and faced a defamation suit from Peter Obi, posted his appointment letter on X, citing confidence in his communication skills.

The ADC also uploaded Atiku and Amaechi’s names to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s nomination portal, confirming its presidential ticket. In Sokoto State, hundreds of former APC members defected to the ADC, citing insecurity, rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

A separate ADC faction led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe rejected Atiku’s candidacy, declaring Chris Uba as the party’s presidential flag‑bearer. Meanwhile, legal commentators noted a broader court‑ordered deregistration case involving the ADC and other minor parties, raising questions about the constitutional limits on party deregistration.