In a dramatic twist in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Federal High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining former Senate President, David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.
The order, granted on Thursday, also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from recognising the duo or their associates as members of the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC), pending the hearing and determination of a substantive motion already before the court.
The suit was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, who insists he remains the legitimate chairman of the ADC. Bala is challenging INEC’s recognition of Mark and Aregbesola’s leadership, describing it as illegal and a breach of the party’s constitution.
Earlier this week, INEC had updated its records, formally listing David Mark as the National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the ADC. The electoral body’s move came after the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, which dissolved the previous NWC led by Chief Ralph Nwosu and announced a new leadership structure.
The development has deepened the internal wrangling in the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the leadership of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. While some stakeholders welcomed the emergence of David Mark and Aregbesola, others have rejected their leadership, branding it as an imposition.
Political observers believe the injunction signals the beginning of a prolonged legal battle that could determine the future direction of the ADC. With Bala Gombe maintaining that he is the “authentic national chairman,” and the new faction insisting on its legitimacy, the stage is set for a showdown both in court and within the party hierarchy.
The court is expected to hear the substantive motion in the coming weeks, after which a final pronouncement on the authenticity of the ADC leadership will be made.
This case marks yet another chapter in the long-running leadership tussles within Nigeria’s political parties, highlighting the persistent challenge of internal democracy and factionalism as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
