Abuja, Nigeria – Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court has refused an application that sought to stop the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the chairmanship of former Senate President David Mark.
The application was filed by Mr. Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who argued through his lawyer, Michael Agber, that the current leadership should be restrained from functioning pending the determination of a substantive suit.
However, Justice Nwite, in his ruling, declined the three prayers brought before the court. Instead, he directed Gombe to notify all defendants to appear and explain why the request should not be granted.
The case has now been adjourned until September 15 for further hearing.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed five defendants:
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African Democratic Congress (ADC)
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Senator David Mark (National Chairman)
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Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary and former Osun State Governor)
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
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Chief Ralph Nwosu
In his motion, Gombe asked the court to issue an interim injunction preventing INEC from recognising Mark and Aregbesola as ADC leaders. He also sought an order restraining them from parading themselves in their respective offices until the substantive suit is heard.
But Justice Nwite maintained that the defendants must be given a fair hearing before any interim orders could be made.
With this ruling, the current leadership structure of the ADC remains intact, at least until the next hearing date. The decision provides breathing space for the Mark-led administration while legal battles over party leadership continue to unfold.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to stop David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from leading the ADC, ruling that all parties must be heard before any action is taken. The matter resumes September 15.
