ADC Dismisses Court Restraining Order Reports

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained former Senate President David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola from serving as the party’s National Chairman and Secretary, respectively. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the court’s ruling on 4 September 2025 did not grant an ex‑parte application filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe; instead, it ordered the defendants to be put on notice. Justice Emeka Nwite directed the parties to appear and show cause why the application should not be granted and adjourned the matter until 15 September 2025.

The ADC attributes the speculation to “desperate political jobbers” disappointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision. The party urges the media and the public to be cautious of fake news and to verify information to avoid misleading Nigerians. Its statement aims to set the record straight regarding false reports circulating in the media about the court’s ruling on the party’s leadership.

The ADC emphasizes that the court did not issue any order restraining Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from functioning as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC. The decision was merely a refusal of the ex‑parte application, with the matter adjourned to a later date. This denial comes amid ongoing developments in Nigeria’s political landscape, where the party’s leadership has attracted considerable interest.

The ADC’s statement seeks to provide clarity and reassure members and supporters that the party’s leadership remains intact. The court’s adjournment until 15 September 2025 indicates that the issue is still pending and a final determination has not been made. The party advises the public to await the outcome of the court proceedings and to rely on verified information from credible sources. As the matter unfolds, the ADC’s leadership and the party’s future direction are likely to remain subjects of interest and scrutiny.