ABUJA – The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appear before it on September 15, 2025, to show cause why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not be restrained from recognizing them as the party’s executives.
The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite, who declined to grant an ex-parte application filed by the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is laying claim to the chairmanship of the ADC.
The Dispute
Gombe, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had sought an interim injunction stopping INEC from recognizing Senator Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary of the party.
However, instead of granting the request, Justice Nwite ordered that the defendants—including ADC, Senator Mark, Aregbesola, INEC, and former ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu—be put on notice.
The court ruled:
- The ex-parte application filed on September 2 was refused.
- The defendants must be served and given the opportunity to respond.
- The matter is adjourned to September 15, 2025 for the respondents to show cause.
Parallel Cases and Party Crisis
This latest case adds to ongoing legal battles challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led interim National Working Committee (NWC).
Earlier, three ADC members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—approached the court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1328/2025, questioning whether Senator Mark, Aregbesola, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi were validly appointed as interim leaders.
The plaintiffs raised key constitutional issues:
- Whether interim leadership positions exist in the ADC constitution (2018 as amended).
- Whether the defendants were duly registered party members before assuming leadership.
- Whether only a National Convention or NEC resolution could dissolve or replace the existing executive.
- Whether INEC can lawfully recognize the interim appointments.
Political Context
The ADC crisis deepened after a coalition of political leaders, reportedly backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, adopted the party as the vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Following the coalition deal, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founding National Chairman, announced the dissolution of existing structures to pave the way for new leadership. This decision sparked resistance from some factions, leading to multiple suits now before the courts.
What Next?
All eyes are now on the September 15 hearing, where the Mark-led faction must defend its recognition by INEC. The outcome could either solidify their control of the ADC ahead of 2027 or throw the opposition coalition’s strategy into uncertainty.
Stay tuned for updates on the ADC leadership tussle and its implications for Nigeria’s 2027 elections.