The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was filed after INEC allegedly removed their names and those of other National Working Committee members from its official portal on April 1.
In the motion filed by counsel Sulaiman Usman, SAN, the ADC is seeking a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the officials to their positions as they were before the leadership dispute emerged.
The party is also asking the court to set aside INEC’s refusal to monitor its congresses and convention, while seeking an order restraining the commission from recognising any rival leadership claims pending the determination of the case.
The legal dispute stems from a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling concerning a leadership tussle initiated by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Gombe. The interpretation of the judgment has since triggered divisions within the party.
One faction led by David Mark, with support from party founder Ralph Nwosu, insists on proceeding with a national convention scheduled for April 14, arguing that all legal requirements have been met.
Another faction aligned with Nafiu Gombe staged protests at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition of Gombe as National Chairman and accusing rivals of attempting to take over the party.
As the crisis deepens, the INEC-led by Professor Joash Amupitan faces mounting pressure from stakeholders and civil society groups, who argue that the commission’s handling of the matter could affect opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.