The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed former Senate President, Senator David Mark, as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing to an end a legal challenge against the party’s current leadership structure.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Musa Liman dismissed a suit filed by House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, who had challenged the emergence of David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively.
The court upheld the preliminary objections raised by the ADC, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark and Aregbesola, ruling that the suit lacked merit and was not sufficient to warrant judicial intervention.
Justice Liman held that the matter concerned the internal affairs of a political party, an area in which courts are generally reluctant to interfere except where there is a clear violation of constitutional or statutory provisions.
According to the judge, Abejide failed to establish that his rights were infringed upon by the emergence of the new leadership or that the process leading to their appointment contravened any applicable law.
The court further ruled that the transfer of leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to David Mark was carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution and did not violate any established procedures.
Justice Liman noted that the stakeholders’ meeting held on July 2, 2025, which laid the groundwork for the leadership transition, properly preceded the National Executive Council meeting of July 29, 2025, where Mark and Aregbesola formally emerged as the party’s national officers.
The judge declared that the emergence of both leaders complied with the provisions of the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant legal frameworks governing political parties in Nigeria.
The ruling is expected to strengthen the legitimacy of the party’s leadership ahead of future political activities and preparations for upcoming elections.
In addition to dismissing the suit, the court awarded costs of ₦2 million each against the plaintiff in favour of all the defendants, bringing the total financial penalty to several million naira.
The judgment is seen as a significant victory for the Mark-led leadership and may help consolidate stability within the ADC as the party seeks to expand its influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
