SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will participate in the 2027 general elections, despite its ongoing leadership crisis, but warned that candidates produced by the David Mark-led faction, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, could be excluded from the ballot.
Keyamo explained that the party’s participation in the elections was not necessarily under threat, but the legitimacy of candidates emerging from the disputed leadership structure would depend on the final decision of the Supreme Court.
The minister made this known on Sunday in a post on his verified X account while responding to concerns that a recent Federal High Court judgment could prevent the opposition party from participating in the 2027 elections.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Thursday, nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the faction, including the presidential primary that reportedly produced Atiku as its candidate for the next presidential election.
The ruling followed a prolonged leadership dispute within the party, which has been characterized by competing claims to its national leadership and several legal battles.
The case, filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Gombe, challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
Gombe argued that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume leadership of the party.
Following the judgment, the Mark-led faction rejected the court’s decision and announced plans to challenge it. Atiku and the party have also indicated their intention to appeal.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that it would not take a position on the leadership dispute until it obtains and examines the certified true copy of the judgment.
Reacting to the controversy, Keyamo dismissed suggestions that the ruling automatically disqualified the ADC from the 2027 elections, insisting that the party remained eligible to participate under its legally recognized leadership structure.
“For the education of the public, those raising false alarms that the court judgment on ADC means the party will not be on the ballot are spreading misinformation.
“The ADC will be on the ballot. It is the David Mark faction of candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, that may not be on the ballot, depending on the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he stated.
The minister also questioned why critics were interpreting the judgment as an attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the elections.
He argued that candidates who successfully emerged through the party’s original leadership structure also deserved recognition, insisting that their political rights should not be overlooked in favor of the Mark-led faction.
The unfolding dispute has created fresh uncertainty for the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 elections, particularly over who has the legal authority to organize primaries and nominate candidates.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s eventual decision could prove decisive not only for the party’s leadership but also for the political ambitions of Atiku and other aspirants seeking to contest under the ADC platform.
However, the final legal position remains subject to the outcome of the pending court proceedings.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
