Court Summons David Mark-Led ADC Leadership Over Party Crisis

The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appear on September 15, 2025. The court wants them to show cause why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not be restrained from recognising their authority.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on September 4 after rejecting an ex-parte application filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe. Gombe, who claims to be the rightful chairman of the party, had sought an interim injunction to stop Mark’s faction from parading themselves as leaders.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 and dated September 2, the plaintiff asked the court to prevent INEC from recognising Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary until the substantive matter is determined. Other defendants in the case include the ADC, INEC, and former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Justice Nwite declined to grant the interim relief but ordered all defendants to appear in court on September 15 to defend their positions.

This is one of several legal battles triggered by the internal crisis rocking the ADC after INEC formally recognised the Mark-led National Working Committee. In another suit, party members Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila challenged the legitimacy of the interim leadership, arguing that the appointment of Mark, Aregbesola, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as interim officers violated the ADC’s 2018 constitution, which does not provide for interim leadership.

The plaintiffs also cited a December 2022 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, insisting that only a properly convened National Convention or NEC meeting can dissolve or replace the executive committee.

The crisis began after a coalition backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar adopted the ADC as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Chief Ralph Nwosu, then National Chairman, dissolved existing structures to accommodate the coalition, sparking widespread internal disputes.

Meanwhile, the ADC has dismissed claims that the court restrained Mark and Aregbesola. In a statement on Thursday, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi clarified that Justice Nwite only refused the plaintiff’s ex-parte application, ordered the defendants to be put on notice, and adjourned the matter to September 15.

Abdullahi described contrary reports as fake news, accusing political actors of deliberately misrepresenting the ruling to destabilise the opposition. He urged the media and public to remain vigilant against misinformation.