The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its judgment in a case concerning the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until April 14. The suit was filed by Hon. Leke Abejide, a Kogi State lawmaker and ADC member, who seeks to prevent former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from claiming the positions of party chairman and secretary, respectively. Originally scheduled for judgment on April 13, Justice Musa Suleiman Liman adjourned the ruling by 24 hours due to other official engagements. The court registrar announced this delay to journalists and politicians who had gathered at the courthouse, many of whom left following the announcement.
Abejide filed the suit on February 15, 2026, naming the ADC, former party chairman Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. He argues that Nwosu’s handover of the party’s leadership to Mark and Aregbesola on July 2, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja was unlawful. Abejide is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent Mark and Aregbesola from presenting themselves as party leaders, claiming that their appointment did not comply with Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022. Additionally, he wants INEC barred from recognizing them in their purported roles.
The defendants, represented by senior lawyers, contend that Abejide lacks the legal standing to bring the case and argue that the dispute pertains to internal party affairs, which they claim are non-justiciable. They maintain that Mark’s leadership was legitimately elected at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on July 29, 2025, rather than on July 2, 2025, as alleged by Abejide. The defendants have urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as lacking merit and academic in nature. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the leadership and internal stability of the ADC as it approaches future electoral contests.
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