The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is headed to court following disputes over the legitimacy of its current leadership under former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
A former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, filed a suit challenging the legality of David Mark’s leadership, alongside National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. The suit also names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants.
Gombe’s application sought an interim injunction restraining INEC from recognizing Mark and Aregbesola as leaders of ADC pending the hearing of the substantive suit.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, refused to grant the ex-parte application and instead ordered Gombe to notify the defendants, fixing a date for them to respond.
The plaintiffs argue that Mark and others were appointed in contravention of the ADC constitution and question their eligibility due to lack of proper party membership and duration requirements.
This legal battle comes amid heightened tensions within ADC, which was recently adopted as the platform for a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The case raises broader concerns about INEC’s role, party democracy, and the integrity of opposition politics in Nigeria.