ADC speaks on court order banning INEC from recognising Mark, Aregbesola as Chairman, Secretary

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims that the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from acting as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

The party clarified that Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on 4 September 2025, rejected an ex parte application filed by Nafiu Gombe. Instead, the court ordered that the defendants be notified and appear on 15 September to show cause why the application should not be granted.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said critics were misrepresenting the court’s decision after failing to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the new leadership. He accused them of spreading “fake news” in a bid to destabilise opposition parties.

INEC had earlier confirmed Mark and Aregbesola as interim chairman and secretary of the ADC, alongside other key officers. The recognition followed the formal adoption of the ADC by a broad opposition coalition on 2 July 2025, which includes Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, and others.

However, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, described the coalition members as “enemies of Nigeria,” while some lawmakers have predicted its failure ahead of the 2027 elections.