The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially appealed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding its ongoing leadership and candidate dispute, alongside a formal application for a stay of execution.

In a press statement issued on November 6, 2026, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been formally notified of the appeal and urged to refrain from taking any actions until the higher court reaches a verdict.

Brief Overview

The ADC’s legal maneuver comes in direct response to an adverse ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025. To prevent the immediate enforcement of the lower court’s decision, the party filed an application for a stay of execution.

Through its spokesperson, the ADC issued a clear warning to INEC, asserting that the electoral body must respect the judicial process and avoid taking any consequential steps that could pre-empt the decision of the Court of Appeal. Despite the legal dispute, the party assured its supporters that its campaign activities will continue without interruption.

Background & Context

The legal clash stems from Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, a lawsuit involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC leadership.

Internal Disputes & Court Verdict: The lawsuit centered on long-standing internal party autonomy, national leadership recognition, and candidate legitimacy. On November 5, 2026, the Federal High Court delivered a judgment challenging the position of the sitting party leadership. Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe commended the ruling as a victory for party constitutionality and statutory compliance.

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ADC’s Legal Counter-Defense: Refusing to accept the lower court’s verdict, the ADC swiftly lodged an appeal before the appellate court. To maintain the status quo while the appeal is evaluated, the party filed for a stay of execution and served notice to INEC on November 6, 2026.

ADC’s Message to INEC and Supporters

Addressing media representatives and party members, Phrank Shaibu emphasized that the law requires administrative restraint while matters are actively before an appellate court.

“The application for a stay has not yet been determined. INEC must therefore exercise restraint. It must not act as though the appeal and stay application do not exist, or take any step that could pre-empt the Court of Appeal and undermine the proper resolution of this matter.”

 

— Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication, ADC Presidential Campaign Council

 

Shaibu further reassured party members, candidates, and supporters across the country that the judgment does not signal the end of the party’s legal options. He affirmed that the ADC will exhaust all legal avenues to defend its candidates and leadership structure, adding that public outreach and campaign schedules will proceed as planned.

The Court of Appeal is expected to fix a date to hear both the application for the stay of execution and the main appeal in the coming weeks.