Federal High Court Refuses to Stop David Mark’s ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to grant an application seeking to stop Senator David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The court’s decision, delivered on September 4, contradicts reports circulating in some media outlets.

Justice Emeka Nwite refused the three prayers sought in the ex-parte motion filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC. Instead, the judge directed Gombe to put all defendants on notice to show cause why the motion should not be granted.

Gombe’s suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, names ADC, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until September 15 for the defendants to show cause.

INEC had already recognized David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the interim national chairman and national secretary of ADC, respectively.

The court’s decision will determine the legitimacy of Mark’s leadership and the party’s future.

The development has significant implications for the ADC’s leadership and its participation in future elections.