(DDM) – The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from their positions as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Friday, striking out the suit on the grounds that the matter concerned the internal affairs of a political party.
According to the court, issues relating to party membership and leadership fall within the internal mechanisms of political organisations and are generally beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
Justice Abdulmalik explained that political parties operate as voluntary associations, meaning individuals join and participate based on personal choice rather than legal compulsion.
As a result, disputes relating to leadership positions or membership should primarily be resolved through the party’s internal dispute resolution processes.
The judge emphasised that aggrieved members are expected to utilise internal party structures designed to handle such disagreements.
Where internal resolution fails, the court suggested that dissatisfied members retain the option of leaving the party and joining another political platform.
Justice Abdulmalik further clarified that cases concerning the internal administration of political parties are generally considered non-justiciable.
This means that courts typically lack the authority to adjudicate on such matters unless they involve clear violations of constitutional or electoral laws.
The suit had sought the removal of David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress.
It also challenged the position of Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary.
However, the court concluded that the claims presented in the suit did not fall within the scope of issues that the judiciary can legally determine.
The judgment therefore reaffirmed the principle that courts must avoid interfering in the internal management of political parties.
Political analysts note that the ruling reinforces long-standing judicial precedents in Nigeria regarding the autonomy of political organisations.
Historically, Nigerian courts have maintained that political parties possess the authority to regulate their internal structures, leadership selection processes, and membership matters.
Only in cases involving breaches of electoral regulations or constitutional provisions have courts occasionally intervened.
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s registered political parties participating in national elections.
In recent years, the party has sought to expand its influence within the country’s political landscape by attracting prominent political figures.
The leadership roles of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola have been part of efforts to strengthen the party’s national profile.
Mark, a former President of the Nigerian Senate, is regarded as one of the most experienced politicians in the country’s democratic history.
Aregbesola, who previously served as governor of Osun State and later as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, is also considered an influential political figure.
Observers believe the court’s decision could stabilise the party’s leadership structure, at least in the short term.
The ruling effectively confirms that the current national leadership of the African Democratic Congress will remain in place unless changes occur through internal party mechanisms.
For political stakeholders, the judgment serves as another reminder of the limits of judicial intervention in intra-party disputes within Nigeria’s democratic system.
