The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated into a legal battle, with the faction led by David Mark approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja, to challenge recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The move follows INEC’s decision on April 1, to remove Mark’s name as national chairman and that of Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary from its official records and website.
Through his legal team, Mark is seeking a court order directing INEC to reinstate the ADC National Working Committee as it existed prior to the dispute.
He is also asking the court to restrain the electoral commission from recognising any rival leadership faction pending the final determination of the case.
The application is anchored on an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which instructed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” the last undisputed leadership structure before the crisis began.
Mark’s lawyers argue that as of September 2025, he remained the duly recognised national chairman, and that INEC’s decision to delist him stemmed from a misinterpretation of the appellate court’s directive.
They warn that the move has triggered confusion and created a leadership vacuum within the party.
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The faction is also pushing for an accelerated hearing, citing concerns that the prolonged uncertainty is weakening party structures, encouraging the emergence of parallel leadership claims, and disrupting political activities.
The dispute is tied to a rival camp led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who had earlier sought judicial intervention over the party’s leadership tussle.
With both factions now contesting control through legal and political means, the ADC crisis continues to deepen, raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of future elections.
