African Democratic Congress (ADC) wins court battle The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. A reader who only reads this paragraph must understand what happened. Luminous Jannamike reported for Vanguard News on July 2, 2026: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment in the suit filed by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, saying his attempt to unseat Senator David Mark's leadership ended in failure and fines. According to the ADC, the ruling finally settles the lingering legal dispute over its leadership and allows the party to focus on practical alternatives to Nigeria's economic and security challenges. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) celebrated the court's judgment on July 2, 2026, saying it affirmed Leke Abejide's leadership bid failed for lack of jurisdiction. The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated:

'This judgment, once again, affirms our clear position that the issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable, especially in the light of the Electoral Act, 2022; and that the emergence of the current leadership of our great party, led by Senator David Mark, was carried out in accordance with the law and the Constitution of the ADC.'

According to the ADC, Justice M. S. Liman struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, while affirming the emergence of Senator David Mark and other members of the ADC's National Working Committee (NWC). The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them as the party's national officers. The ADC described the judgment as another victory for Nigeria's multiparty democracy, saying it hoped the decision would mark the end of the legal challenges surrounding its leadership. However, the ADC maintained that 'even as we celebrate this victory in court, we remain vigilant, convinced that anti-democratic forces remain active and motivated to continue to pursue their inglorious agenda against the Nigerian people.'

Who is Leke Abejide? Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide is a Nigerian politician who had filed a suit against Senator David Mark's leadership of the African Democratic Congress. As a member of the party, his move was seen as an attempt to unseat Senator Mark.

The Background of the Suit The suit was filed by Hon. Abejide in an attempt to challenge the emergence of Senator David Mark as the leader of the ADC. The party's National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier emerged, with Senator Mark at the helm.

The Court Ruling Justice M. S. Liman of the Federal High Court struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, thereby affirming the emergence of Senator David Mark and other members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC). The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them as the party's national officers.

What's next? The ADC welcomed the court's ruling, hoping it will finally settle the party's leadership crisis. The party urged its members and supporters to remain united and focused as it pursues its political objectives.

ADC's Message The ADC commended the judge's decision to award fines against Hon. Abejide and his lawyers, hoping that this measure will serve as a deterrent to those who may want to pursue frivolous actions in the future.

The ADC thanked its members, supporters, and millions of Nigerians who stood by the party throughout the legal dispute. In its official statement, the ADC expressed its commitment to presenting practical alternatives to Nigeria's worsening economic and security challenges.

ADC to Focus on Nigeria's Challenges

The ADC has welcomed the court's judgment, saying it will now focus on presenting practical solutions to Nigeria's worsening economic and security challenges. The party believes that Nigeria is facing critical issues that require urgent attention and solutions. As opposed to engaging in judicial battles, the ADC says it will now channel its energy into addressing these pressing challenges.