The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the party, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to take any action while the case is pending.

The party also filed an application for a stay of execution, asking the court to suspend the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

ADC’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the party filed a notice of appeal against the November 5 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.

He said INEC had been formally notified of the appeal and the stay application, adding that the commission should respect the judicial process and allow the Court of Appeal to hear the matter.

Shaibu warned that any action taken by INEC before the appeal is heard could pre-empt the Court of Appeal and undermine the resolution of the dispute.

The party’s lawyers, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., also wrote to the INEC chairman on November 6, asking the commission to suspend further action on the subject matter of the of the suit.

Justice Lifu’s judgment followed a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC National Deputy Chairman for the North-East, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led caretaker committee after former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned.

The court declared the caretaker committee illegal and nullified its decisions, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Despite the legal setback, the ADC said the case would not disrupt its political activities or preparations for the 2027 general election.

Shaibu urged party members and supporters to remain calm, saying the party would continue to take its message to Nigerians while pursuing every lawful step to defend its rights.