The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The decision followed an ex parte motion filed on September 2, 2025, by Nafiu Gombe. The suit named the ADC, Mark, and Aregbesola as the first, second, and third defendants, with INEC and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu listed as the fourth and fifth defendants.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who issued the interim injunction, also barred INEC from acknowledging any representatives acting on behalf of Mark and Aregbesola pending the determination of a motion on notice already filed before the court.
Despite the legal challenge, INEC had previously updated its records to reflect the duo as interim leaders of the ADC, along with other principal officers. The recognition came shortly after a newly formed opposition coalition adopted the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections, vowing to revive the country’s democratic system and prevent national collapse.
At the unveiling of the coalition on July 2, 2025, Ralph Nwosu formally handed over the party’s leadership, presenting membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola. The event was attended by several high-profile political figures across party lines.
However, the development has sparked backlash within the party. ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, strongly criticized the coalition members, labeling them as enemies of the country, determined to drag Nigeria backward. Echoing similar sentiments, Leke Abejide, a federal lawmaker from Kogi State, predicted that the new leadership arrangement under Mark would not succeed.
