ADC Leadership Crisis Escalates with Court Ruling
The ongoing leadership turmoil within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensified on Friday as the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a preliminary challenge brought forth by the party’s national chairman, Senator David Mark, and national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola. The lawsuit questions the legitimacy of the ADC’s current national leadership.
Court Finds Challenge Lacks Merit
Judge Peter Riff ruled that the application submitted by Mark and Aregbesola was without merit and appeared to serve merely as a tactic to delay the main proceedings of the case. In light of this ruling, the court mandated that both leaders, along with the ADC, pay damages totaling N3 million to the plaintiff, Nafiu Bala-Gombe.
Legal Issues Rejected
Mark had sought to have several legal questions referred to the Court of Appeal during cross-examination. However, Judge Riff concluded that the issues in question did not impact the court’s jurisdiction and did not justify intervention from the appellate court at this point. The judge characterized the matters raised as “fringe, academic, and adversarial,” reaffirming their lack of substantial challenge to the court’s authority.
Attempts to Delay Proceedings Denied
The court also dismissed a like-minded application from Aregbesola, identifying it as yet another attempt to postpone the hearing of critical issues. Consequently, the judge ordered both Mark and Aregbesola to pay costs of one million naira each in addition to the damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Other Applications Rejected
Moreover, Judge Riff turned down Bala-Gombe’s motion to amend the original summons, deeming it without merit. As a result, the ADC, Mark, and Aregbesola were awarded N500,000 each. The judge also dismissed an application from three ADC members who sought to join the lawsuit, citing that the ADC and its national leadership, already defendants in the case, adequately represented their interests.
Details of the Substantive Suit
The substantive suit, filed under the number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 by Bala-Gombe, challenges the formation process of the ADC’s current national executive committee. The defendants include the ADC, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Legal Context and Next Steps
Bala-Gombe is seeking a judicial determination on whether Mark and Aregbesola’s ascendance to leadership complied with the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act, arguing that the party convention that established the current leadership contravenes both the party’s constitutional framework and applicable electoral laws. The defendants have refuted these claims and opposed any efforts to amend the initial summons. Following this latest decision regarding the preliminary application, Judge Riff has scheduled the case for further proceedings on September 14.
This case represents one of several legal confrontations stemming from the ADC’s recent leadership reshuffle as the party prepares for the approaching 2027 general elections.
