- ADC files suit seeking restoration of Mark and Aregbesola leadership status
- Party challenges INEC decision removing names from official portal
- Court to decide on interim control of party leadership records
The African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows the removal of their names, along with other members of the party’s National Working Committee, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a motion on notice dated April 7 and filed by counsel to David Mark, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), the plaintiffs are seeking a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the officials as they were before the dispute arose.
The application, brought under Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the court’s inherent jurisdiction, is seeking multiple reliefs including the setting aside of INEC’s action removing the party’s leadership details from its portal.
Part of the relief states: “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.”
The party is also asking the court for an order directing INEC to immediately restore and maintain the records of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, along with all members of the National Executive Committee.
In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining INEC from altering or interfering with the leadership records or recognising any competing claims pending the final determination of the case.
The suit originates from a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in an internal leadership dispute filed by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Gombe before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
In his supporting affidavit, Usman argued that the appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, referring to the last uncontested position before the dispute began.
The case marks the latest escalation in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, as rival factions continue to contest control of the party structure and official recognition.
The court’s decision is expected to determine whether INEC will be compelled to reinstate the disputed party leadership details pending the resolution of the substantive suit.
