The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.
The case was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to stop Mark and other party leaders from parading themselves as executives of the party.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the hearing date after notices were issued to all parties involved.
Those listed as defendants include:
The African Democratic Congress
David Mark
Rauf Aregbesola
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Ralph Nwosu
Background to the dispute
The matter had earlier been adjourned indefinitely pending an appeal. However, the Court of Appeal on March 12 directed all parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo.
Following that ruling, INEC reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
In response, the Mark-led faction filed a motion asking the court to:
Compel INEC to restore their names
Grant accelerated hearing of the case
Objections from defendants
Mark and Aregbesola have both filed preliminary objections seeking dismissal of the suit.
Mark argued that the plaintiff lacks locus standi (legal right to file the case), claiming he had already resigned his party position.
He also maintained that the matter concerns internal party affairs, which courts typically do not adjudicate.
Aregbesola described the suit as frivolous and asked the court to award ₦50 million in costs against the plaintiff.
Similarly, Nwosu argued that the case is premature, stating that internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the party were not exhausted before heading to court
The case is part of a broader leadership crisis within the ADC, which could significantly affect opposition alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
