ADC Drags INEC to Court Over Removal of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, followed INEC’s removal of their names and those of other National Working Committee members from its official portal on April 1. In a motion filed on April 7 by Mark’s lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, the applicants are seeking a mandatory court order directing INEC to reinstate the officials as they were before the leadership dispute began.
The suit requests the court to nullify INEC’s action removing the names and its refusal to monitor the party’s congresses and convention. It also seeks an order compelling the commission to immediately restore and maintain the leadership list, while restraining it from recognising any rival claims until the case is resolved.
The dispute stems from a ruling by the Court of Appeal on March 12 in a case filed by Nafiu Gombe. According to the plaintiffs, the appellate court directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” meaning the last uncontested leadership structure.
Despite the ongoing crisis, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu insisted the party would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party had fulfilled legal requirements and would not allow INEC’s actions to disrupt its schedule.
Meanwhile, a rival faction led by Gombe staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition. He was joined by lawmaker Leke Abejide, as they warned against what they described as attempts by outsiders to take over the party.
The leadership tussle has split the ADC into competing camps linked to David Mark and former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, each laying claim to control of the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adding to the tension, ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties through state institutions, alleging a broader plot to influence the outcome of the 2027 polls.
