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 was granted following a motion ex parte filed by Nafiu Gombe on September 2, 2025.

The motion named the ADC, Mark, and Aregbesola as defendants, along with INEC and a former national chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu. Justice Emeka Nwite’s order also prohibits INEC from recognizing the representatives of Mark and Aregbesola pending the hearing of a motion on notice already filed in the matter.

Prior to the court’s decision, INEC had officially recognized Mark and Aregbesola as the interim leaders of the ADC on its website. This development had significant implications for the party’s leadership structure and its participation in the country’s electoral process.

The African Democratic Congress is one of the prominent political parties in Nigeria, and the dispute over its leadership has been a subject of interest in the country’s political landscape. The court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the party and its members, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.

The order issued by the Federal High Court is an interim measure, and the case is expected to proceed to a full hearing. The court’s ultimate decision will have a significant impact on the ADC’s leadership and its ability to participate in the electoral process. As the case unfolds, it is likely to attract close attention from political observers and stakeholders in Nigeria. The development underscores the importance of the judiciary in resolving disputes and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in the country.