Abuja Court Bars David Mark, Aregbesola From Parading Themselves As ADC Leaders, Backs Nafiu Bala

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and others from parading themselves as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The order, granted by Justice Emeka Nwite on September 4, 2025, followed a motion ex parte filed on September 2.

A copy of the ruling was issued on September 11, 2025.

The applicant in this suit is Honourable Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The respondents, sued as 1st to 5th defendants respectively, are the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the 1st Defendant; Senator David Mark as the 2nd Defendant; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the 3rd Defendant; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the 4th Defendant; and Chief Ralph Nwosu as the 5th Defendant.

Part of the ruling reads: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th Defendant from recognizing the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the National Chairman and National Secretary, their agents, cohorts and privies of the 1st Defendant/Respondent herein pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice already filed in this matter.”

The ruling bars Mark, Aregbesola, and their allies from making any claims to the national leadership of the ADC until the substantive matter is heard.

In reaction, a faction of ADC welcomed the decision, describing it as a vindication of its stand on the legitimacy of its leadership.

Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, the faction’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, said the judgment reaffirms the party’s resolve to restore what he called the “authentic glory” of the ADC.

According to him, the ruling clears the path for Bala to continue to lead as National Chairman.

He also extended an open invitation to political leaders and ordinary Nigerians to join the party, saying membership registration would soon be accessible across the country.

The ADC urged its coalition partners to rally behind the leadership of Bala, stressing that only collective effort could build what it described as a stronger and more inclusive future for Nigeria.