Despite the recognition granted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the leadership tussle in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is far from over. The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim leadership of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, to appear before it on September 15.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Nafiu Bala, a former ADC deputy national chairman and governorship candidate, who is challenging Mark’s appointment as interim chairman. The judge refused the ex-parte application seeking to restrain INEC from recognising the Mark-led team, directing instead that the defendants be put on notice.
“The plaintiff’s application dated September 2, 2025, is refused. The plaintiff is ordered to put the defendants on notice. The defendants are hereby ordered to show cause why the application should not be granted. The case is adjourned to September 15, 2025,” Justice Nwite ruled.
Mark and Aregbesola were appointed interim chairman and secretary, respectively, in June following the exit of founding chairman Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu. The restructuring, which is backed by opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, and Aminu Tambuwal, is aimed at building a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the transition has drawn strong resistance. Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu described the appointments as illegal and divisive, while Bala declared himself interim chairman and accused Mark and his allies of hijacking the party’s structures. Three other aggrieved members. Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila also filed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the new leadership.
Speaking on the court’s directive, Kachikwu welcomed the ruling, saying, “This is a sound and welcome development. Those invaders will be shown the way out of the ADC.”
The ADC, however, dismissed reports that the court had removed Mark and Aregbesola. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party insisted that no order restrained its interim leaders.
“Contrary to some misleading publications, the court did not issue any order removing Senator Mark and Aregbesola from office. These false reports are politically motivated attempts to sow confusion and undermine opposition parties,” the statement read.
INEC has already updated its records to reflect the Mark-led National Working Committee. The dispute will continue in court on September 15, when the interim leaders are expected to defend their positions.
