Court Restrains INEC from Recognizing David Mark as ADC Chairman

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, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, follows an ex parte motion filed by Nafiu Gombe on 2 September 2025. The motion lists the ADC, Mark and Aregbesola as defendants, together with INEC and former party national chairman Ralph Nwosu. The court also prohibits INEC from acknowledging Mark’s and Aregbesola’s appointments pending a hearing on notice.

This development comes after INEC had officially listed Mark and Aregbesola as the ADC’s interim leaders on its website, alongside other principal officers: 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 of an opposition coalition that intends to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027. Unveiled on 2 July 2025, the coalition brings together prominent politicians such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, with the stated goal of rescuing the country from collapse and rebuilding its democracy. However, the coalition does not enjoy universal support. ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has labeled its members “enemies of Nigeria” who aim to drag the nation backward, and lawmaker Leke Abejide has expressed doubt that the coalition will succeed, predicting its failure.

The court’s interim order has significant implications for the ADC and the opposition coalition, potentially affecting their preparations for the upcoming elections. The case is slated for hearing in the coming days, and its outcome is likely to exert a major influence on Nigeria’s political landscape. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how the ADC and the coalition will respond to the order and navigate the challenges ahead.