A Federal High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from assuming leadership roles in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a ruling delivered on 5th of September 2025 , the court barred Mark from parading himself as the National Chairman of the ADC and similarly restrained Aregbesola from acting as the party’s National Secretary. The order further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognize either man or their associates in those positions until a substantive motion before the court is heard and determined.
The legal action was initiated by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who insists he is the authentic leader of the party. Gombe is challenging INEC’s recent recognition of the Mark-Aregbesola-led executive, which emerged after the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja dissolved the previous National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Reacting to the development, the ADC welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a “landmark victory” that reaffirms the party’s commitment to legitimate leadership and internal democracy. The party reiterated its recognition of Nafiu Bala as its National Chairman and called on members and coalition partners to rally behind his leadership.
The ADC leadership also used the occasion to extend an invitation to Nigerians across political divides to join the party, promising what it called “seamless membership registration” ahead of future elections.
The ruling comes at a time of heightened political maneuvering, with reports suggesting the ADC may be realigning its strategy for the 2027 general elections. Political observers say the party, which had previously courted figures like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, is now rumored to be considering former President Goodluck Jonathan as a possible presidential flagbearer.
The court’s interim order is expected to remain in force until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed by Gombe. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the party’s leadership structure and its ability to present a unified front ahead of the next election cycle.
INEC, for its part, is expected to comply with the injunction by maintaining its suspension of recognition for the disputed leadership until the court gives further directives.
Analysts say the case underscores the continuing internal struggles within Nigeria’s smaller political parties and their potential impact on national politics as 2027 approaches.
