The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has issued a significant ruling barring former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from assuming leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Thursday’s interim injunction, both politicians are prohibited from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary of the opposition party. The ruling also compels the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to desist from recognizing their positions or the activities of their purported National Working Committee (NWC).
The court order was prompted by a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who insists that he remains the party’s rightful leader. Gombe contends that INEC acted improperly by updating its records to reflect Mark and Aregbesola as party executives.
This recognition followed a dramatic shift during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where Chief Ralphs Nwosu’s leadership was dissolved and replaced with a new team. The decision was seen as a bold restructuring move aimed at rejuvenating the ADC.
However, Thursday’s ruling represents a major setback to the party’s attempts at revival. Analysts warn that this legal bottleneck may undermine unity within the ADC and distract it from preparing for the 2027 general elections.
The case is set for further hearing, which will determine whether the leadership transition holds or is overturned in favor of Gombe’s claims.