A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the interim national chairman and national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively. The order, issued by Justice Emeka Nwite, followed a motion ex parte filed by Nafiu Gombe on September 2, 2025.
The motion listed the ADC, Mark, and Aregbesola as defendants, along with INEC and a former national chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu. The court’s order also prohibits INEC from recognizing the representatives of Mark and Aregbesola pending the hearing of the motion on notice. This development comes after INEC had officially recognized Mark and Aregbesola as the interim leaders of the ADC on its website.
Other principal officers recognized by INEC include Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser, Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary. The ADC was recently adopted as the political platform by an opposition coalition, which aims to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027. The coalition, unveiled on July 2, 2025, comprises various prominent politicians, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.
The coalition’s goal is to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy. However, not all parties are in support of the coalition, with the 2023 presidential candidate of the ADC, Dumebi Kachikwu, describing its members as “enemies of Nigeria” determined to drag the nation backward. Additionally, lawmaker Leke Abejide has expressed doubts about the coalition’s success, stating that it would fail.
The court’s order has significant implications for the ADC and the opposition coalition, as it may affect their preparations for the upcoming elections. The case is expected to be heard in the coming days, and the outcome will likely have a major impact on the country’s political landscape. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the ADC and the coalition will respond to the court’s order and navigate the challenges ahead.