A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is set to deliver judgment on Monday in a case challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The suit was instituted by Leke Abejide, the party’s sole representative in the House of Representatives, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State.
Abejide is contesting the legitimacy of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) currently headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Musa Liman scheduled the judgment after hearing final submissions from all parties involved.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, the defendants include the ADC, its former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Transfer Of Leadership
Meanwhile, at the heart of the dispute is the transfer of party leadership on July 2, 2025, in Abuja, where Nwosu handed over control to Mark as Interim National Chairman and Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary.
Abejide argues that the process breached the ADC’s constitution, insisting it was neither sanctioned by a validly constituted NEC nor approved at a national convention.
He is asking the court to nullify the leadership change, describing it as unconstitutional and contrary to provisions of the party’s 2022 constitution.
The lawmaker also seeks an order preventing Mark and Aregbesola from acting in their interim capacities, as well as restraining INEC from recognising them.
Abejide further contends that the process failed to comply with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly regarding procedural requirements and constitutional amendments.
Due Process
Arguing on his behalf, senior lawyer Ibrahim Idris (SAN) maintained that the emergence of the interim leadership did not follow due process.
He questioned the legality of waivers allegedly granted to the new leaders and noted that any constitutional amendments tied to the process were not properly concluded or submitted to INEC within the stipulated timeframe.
He also challenged the suspension of certain constitutional provisions, arguing that no party organ has such authority.
In response, counsel to the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the case, describing it as an internal party matter beyond judicial interference.
According to him, disputes over party leadership and administration should be resolved within the party’s internal mechanisms.
Other defence lawyers, representing the remaining parties, aligned with this position and argued that the claims lacked merit and did not justify the court’s intervention.
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With arguments now concluded, all eyes are on the court as it prepares to rule on the contentious leadership battle within the ADC.