Court Sets April 14 to Hear Suit Challenging David Mark’s ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark.

The plaintiff, Nafiu Bala Gombe, is seeking an order to stop Mark and other party executives from parading themselves as leaders of the party.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to April 14 on Friday after hearing notices were issued to all parties involved.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, names the ADC, David Mark, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

The case had earlier been adjourned indefinitely pending the outcome of an appeal challenging a previous court order. However, the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on March 12, directed the parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo while the substantive suit is being determined.

Following the appellate court’s ruling, INEC reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

In response, the Mark-led faction filed a motion on April 7, asking the court to compel INEC to restore their names on the portal. The faction also requested an accelerated hearing of the case.

Meanwhile, Mark and Aregbesola have filed preliminary objections, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the suit.

In his objection, Mark contended that Gombe lacks the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the case, claiming that Gombe had already resigned as Deputy National Chairman of the party. He also argued that the dispute concerns internal party affairs, which are not justiciable.

Aregbesola, in a counter-affidavit, urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as unmeritorious. He also asked the court to award N50 million in costs against the plaintiff for filing what he called a frivolous suit.

Similarly, former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu challenged the suit, arguing that it was premature because the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms had not been exhausted before approaching the court.