ADC Challenges INEC Over Leadership Recognition, Seeks Court Intervention

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by Senator David Mark has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to overturn the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to derecognise the party’s leadership. The application, filed on April 7, seeks judicial intervention to restore the status of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in INEC’s official records.

Mark’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sulaiman Usman, has asked Justice Emeka Nwite to issue a mandatory injunction compelling INEC to reinstate the names of Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary in its portal. The application also demands that INEC resume attendance and monitoring of the party’s congresses and conventions pending the outcome of the substantive case.

The move follows INEC’s formal removal of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal on April 1, citing a Court of Appeal ruling from March 12 in a suit brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe. Mark’s legal team contends that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” arguing that it refers to the leadership structure in place before Gombe’s suit was filed.

In court documents, Usman explained that Mark was the recognised National Chairman as of September 2, 2025, when the case was instituted, and that the leadership structure was already in place. He argued that INEC’s actions have created a leadership vacuum and could render the subject matter of the suit ineffective if not addressed.

In a separate motion, Mark’s team has also requested an accelerated hearing of the case, citing its implications for democratic governance and the party’s internal operations. They argue that the ongoing uncertainty is hampering the ADC’s ability to function and participate in political activities.

The Federal High Court had previously declined to grant an ex-parte application by Gombe to halt Mark’s leadership pending the hearing. Instead, the court directed that all parties be notified and adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025. The Court of Appeal later ordered both sides to maintain the status quo pending the case’s determination.

The suit, filed under reference FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, lists ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC, and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants. Nwosu, the party’s former national chairman, had stepped down to allow for Mark’s leadership. The case continues to draw attention as it could set a precedent for internal party disputes and electoral commission oversight in Nigeria.