ABUJA, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a significant legal victory after a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit challenging the legitimacy of its current leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The judgment is widely seen as a boost for the opposition party as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections following months of internal disputes and legal battles.
The court’s decision comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly granted the David Mark-led leadership access to the party’s official portal, enabling it to submit and manage candidates despite parallel congresses and primaries conducted by rival factions.
The suit, filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, sought to invalidate the emergence of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the party.
Abejide argued that the leadership transition violated the ADC constitution as well as provisions of the Electoral Act. He also asked the court to restrain both leaders from acting in their respective capacities and prevent INEC from recognising them.
Court Declines Jurisdiction
Delivering judgment, Justice Musa Liman upheld the preliminary objections raised by the defendants and dismissed the case.
The judge ruled that the dispute related to the internal affairs of a political party, making it non-justiciable under Nigerian law.
Justice Liman also held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because he failed to establish how the leadership changes infringed upon his rights.
The court further ruled that Abejide did not exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
On the substantive issues, the judge affirmed that the transfer of leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to the interim leadership did not violate the ADC constitution.
According to the court, the July 2, 2025 stakeholders’ meeting that initiated the transition was properly followed by the National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, where David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were formally confirmed under the supervision of INEC.
Justice Liman also awarded ₦2 million in costs against the plaintiff in favour of each defendant and directed Abejide’s counsel to pay an additional ₦10 million in costs in line with the Electoral Act.
ADC Welcomes Verdict
Reacting to the ruling, the ADC described the judgment as a victory for democracy and constitutional governance.
The party said the decision effectively settled the lingering legal disputes over its leadership and reaffirmed that the emergence of David Mark and his team complied with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
According to the party, the ruling will enable it to focus on presenting credible alternatives to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections rather than defending itself in court.
The ADC also praised the judiciary for what it described as courage, fairness and impartiality, expressing hope that the judgment would discourage frivolous political litigation in the future.
David Mark Reacts
Former Senate President David Mark also welcomed the verdict, describing it as another milestone for Nigeria’s democratic development.
In a statement released by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said the judgment validated the party’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and a vibrant multi-party system.
He stressed that democracy thrives when political parties are allowed to function without intimidation or unnecessary interference.
Mark urged party members to remain united as the ADC positions itself as a credible opposition platform ahead of the next general election.
Analysts Say Ruling Strengthens Opposition
Political analysts believe the judgment removes one of the biggest legal uncertainties facing the ADC.
Professor Abubakar Kari said the ruling places the party on stronger legal footing and allows its leadership to concentrate on political mobilisation instead of courtroom battles.
Similarly, political analyst Dr. Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa described the judgment as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that it discourages unnecessary litigation capable of destabilising political parties.
Professor Saleh Dauda also said the ruling could boost public confidence in the judiciary while strengthening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Constitutional lawyer Barrister Kamilu Ahmad Paki added that the judgment aligns with existing legal principles, which generally treat disputes over the internal affairs of political parties as matters beyond judicial interference.
Background to the Crisis
The leadership dispute began after several prominent opposition politicians adopted the ADC as the platform for a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those associated with the coalition are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Rauf Aregbesola and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
Following the resignation of the party’s National Working Committee in July 2025, David Mark emerged as interim National Chairman.
However, former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe rejected the arrangement and filed separate legal actions challenging the takeover of the party’s structure.
Although Thursday’s judgment strengthens the legal position of the David Mark-led leadership, other court cases involving the party remain pending and could still influence its internal politics before the 2027 general elections.
