The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court, asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
The lawsuit followed INEC’s decision to remove their names, along with other members of the party’s National Working Committee, from its official portal on April 1.
In court documents filed on April 7 by Mark’s lawyer, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), the ADC is asking for an order compelling INEC to immediately reinstate the affected officials and recognise them as the party’s legitimate leadership while the case is being decided.
The party is also seeking an order to stop INEC from interfering with its leadership records or recognising any rival claims until the matter is resolved.
At the heart of the dispute is a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment linked to an ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
According to the ADC’s legal team, the ruling directed all parties to maintain the “status quo” meaning things should remain as they were before the disagreement began.
Despite the legal battle, former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, says the party is moving ahead with its planned activities.
He insisted that preparations for upcoming congresses and the national convention will continue, regardless of the internal crisis or INEC’s position.
“We won’t allow anyone to derail our plans,” he said during a television interview. “We’ve followed the law, submitted our schedule, and INEC acknowledged it. Whether they choose to attend or not is up to them.”
He added that the party’s national convention is still set to go ahead, where key decisions, including the selection of candidates, will be finalised.
Meanwhile, the leadership crisis within the ADC has spilled into the streets.
A rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a counter-protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition and warning others to stay out of the party’s affairs.
The conflict has exposed deep divisions within the party, with different camps laying claim to its leadership as the 2027 general elections approach.
The battle is largely about control of the party structure and who INEC officially recognises.
Gombe, who is also claiming the position of national chairman, urged INEC to reflect his name on its records, citing the same Court of Appeal ruling on maintaining the status quo.
“This is about respecting the rule of law,” he said. “We can’t allow people to take advantage of the situation for personal gain.”
Adding another layer to the controversy, ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Enugu, he claimed the APC is using state institutions and internal actors to destabilise the ADC.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are now on the court and on INEC over who will ultimately be recognised as the legitimate leadership of the party.
