Federal High Court Affirms David Mark Led ADC Leadership

The court, in its judgment, held that the suit lacked merit and was not justiciable.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, 2026, delivered a judgment that affirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark. The judgment was in response to a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, challenging the party's leadership structure.

Leke Abejide had approached the court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, filed on February 15, 2026, seeking to nullify the transfer of the party's leadership from former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Abejide argued that the appointments of Mark and Aregbesola did not comply with the Electoral Act.

The court, in its judgment, held that the suit lacked merit and was not justiciable because it related to the internal affairs of a political party. Justice Musa Liman, the presiding judge, further held that Abejide failed to establish that any of his legal rights had been violated by the emergence of the current leadership.

The judge also ruled that the transition of leadership from Nwosu to Mark did not breach either the ADC Constitution or the Electoral Act. Additionally, the court maintained that the stakeholders' meeting of July 2, 2025, which preceded the party's National Executive Committee meeting of July 29, 2025, formed part of the legitimate process that produced Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The ADC has witnessed a leadership transition following efforts by opposition politicians to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. David Mark emerged as the party's National Chairman, while Aregbesola became National Secretary.

The court's decision to dismiss Abejide's suit has been met with mixed reactions from party members. While some have welcomed the ruling, others have expressed disappointment and vowed to challenge the outcome.

The ADC has been at the forefront of efforts to rebrand and strengthen the opposition in Nigeria. The party's leadership has been working tirelessly to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court's judgment has significant implications for the ADC and the opposition in Nigeria. With the leadership dispute resolved, the party can now focus on its preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Leke Abejide, the member of the House of Representatives who challenged the ADC leadership, has been criticized for his decision to seek redress in court. Some have argued that he should have utilized the party's internal dispute resolution mechanism before approaching the court.

The ADC leadership has been embroiled in controversy since David Mark took over as National Chairman. Abejide's suit was seen as an attempt to challenge Mark's legitimacy.

The ADC has witnessed a significant increase in membership since David Mark took over as National Chairman. The party has also seen a boost in visibility and influence in the opposition space.

David Mark, the ADC National Chairman, has been praised for his efforts to rebrand and strengthen the party. His leadership has been seen as a significant step towards repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leke Abejide, the member of the House of Representatives who challenged ADC leadership, has a long history of activism in Nigeria's opposition space. Abejide has been involved in several high-profile controversies in the past.

The ADC has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the opposition in Nigeria. The party's leadership has been working tirelessly to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court's decision to dismiss Abejide's suit has been seen as a significant boost to the ADC's efforts to rebrand and strengthen the party.

The ADC leadership has called on party members to accept the court's judgment and work towards the party's unity. The party's leadership has also vowed to continue working towards its objectives.

David Mark, the ADC National Chairman, has welcomed the court's decision to dismiss Abejide's suit. Mark has described the judgment as a significant victory for the party.

The ADC has been involved in several high-profile controversies in the past. The party's leadership has been criticized for its handling of certain issues.

Leke Abejide, the member of the House of Representatives who challenged ADC leadership, has been accused of attempting to undermine the party's leadership.