Factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has directed candidates nominated under his leadership to resume their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

Bala gave the directive on Thursday while reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which invalidated the Mark-led caretaker leadership and decisions taken under its authority.

Addressing the development, Bala maintained that candidates produced by his faction remained the legitimate representatives of the party and should continue their political activities without waiting for further developments in the leadership dispute.

He specifically instructed governorship candidates and other aspirants nominated under his leadership to return to their campaigns, expressing confidence that the faction would overcome the crisis.

Bala also ruled out immediate reconciliation with the opposing faction, insisting that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and David Mark must first fulfil the party’s membership requirements by registering in their respective wards.

He argued that reconciliation could not take place with individuals who had not formally joined the party in accordance with its rules and procedures.

The factional chairman further urged members of the Mark-led camp to support candidates nominated under his leadership, arguing that the deadline for party primaries and submission of candidates had passed.

According to him, reconciliation could be considered after the 2027 elections, but the immediate priority should be supporting candidates already nominated by his faction.

Bala also dismissed the prospect of another appeal against the judgment, describing any further legal challenge as an unnecessary exercise. He insisted that his faction would continue its political activities regardless of any move by the opposing camp to challenge the ruling.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Bala, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman from the North-East, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led leadership emerged after the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Bala argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership and asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the Mark-led caretaker committee.

The ruling has deepened the ADC’s leadership crisis, with significant implications for its preparations for the 2027 elections and the political ambitions of prominent opposition figures associated with the party.