A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction barring former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from presenting themselves as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively.
The order, granted on Thursday, effectively freezes the recent leadership change within the opposition party and throws its hierarchy into a state of legal uncertainty.
The court further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cease recognizing the duo or any members of their purported National Working Committee (NWC) in those capacities.
This directive is to remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of a substantive motion already filed before the court.
The legal challenge was initiated by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC. Gombe is contesting the legitimacy of the new leadership and insists that he remains the party’s authentic chairman.
His suit challenges INEC’s recognition of Mark and Aregbesola, which he argues was unlawfully granted.
The commission had recently updated its official records to reflect the new leadership. This update followed a major shake-up at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where the previous NWC, led by Chief Ralphs Nwosu, was dissolved. Senator Mark and Mr. Aregbesola were subsequently announced as key figures in the new executive body, a move intended to reinvigorate the party.
This court order represents a significant setback for the ADC’s attempted rebranding and creates a major constitutional crisis within the party. All parties are now expected to await the court’s next hearing for further direction on the leadership tussle.
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