The African Democratic Congress has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
Legal Challenge Over Leadership Records
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows the removal of the names of Mark, Aregbesola, and other members of the party’s National Working Committee from INEC’s official portal on April 1.
In a motion filed by counsel to Mark, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), the plaintiffs are asking the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the affected officials pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Among the key reliefs sought is an order setting aside INEC’s decision to delist the party’s leadership from its records, as well as its refusal to monitor the party’s congresses and convention.
The party also requested an order compelling INEC to immediately restore and maintain the names of the disputed officials, while restraining the electoral body from recognising any rival leadership or interfering with the current records until the case is resolved.
The legal action stems from a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal concerning a leadership tussle within the party, initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe.
According to the applicants, the appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum; the last uncontested leadership structure before the crisis.
The case represents the latest development in the internal crisis rocking the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and recognition.
Observers say the outcome of the court proceedings could have significant implications for the party’s structure and participation in future electoral activities.
The court is expected to determine whether INEC can be compelled to reinstate the affected officials pending the final resolution of the dispute.
