Jul 2, 2026

ADC: Court affirms David Mark, Aregbesola as National Chairman, Secretary

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2026– In a decisive ruling that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape, the Federal High Court in Abuja has firmly upheld Senator David Mark as the National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing a challenge that threatened the party’s stability.

Justice Musa Liman delivered the judgment today, throwing out the suit filed by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, describing it as lacking merit and non-justiciable.

The court ruled that internal party affairs fall outside judicial interference, that Abejide lacked standing to sue as he failed to demonstrate any personal rights violation, and that he had not exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

The judge further affirmed that the leadership transition from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to Mark and Aregbesola complied with the ADC’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and relevant laws.

He validated the sequence of a stakeholder meeting on July 2, 2025, followed by a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025, which produced the new leadership under the watch of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Abejide had sought to nullify the handover, restrain Mark and Aregbesola from parading as leaders, and bar INEC from recognizing them.

Instead, the court awarded N2 million in costs against him to each defendant and N10 million against his lawyer.

The ADC, once a relatively minor player, has been at the center of intense political drama since mid-2025.

The leadership transition occurred amid efforts by opposition figures to build a formidable coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.

Former Senate President David Mark, a seasoned politician with deep establishment ties, and Rauf Aregbesola, the influential former Osun State Governor known for his administrative acumen and grassroots mobilization, emerged as key figures in this realignment.

The move was not without controversy. Factional disputes erupted, with figures like Nafiu Bala Gombe and Leke Abejide challenging the process, alleging irregularities and a lack of broad consultation.

Earlier court interventions, including temporary restraints and an Appeal Court order that prompted INEC to briefly delist Mark and Aregbesola from its portal, created months of uncertainty.

A Supreme Court intervention in April 2026 helped clear some procedural hurdles, setting the stage for today’s substantive resolution.

INEC has since restored the Mark-led executive on its official records, signaling official recognition.

Senator David Mark: A former Senate President and military officer, Mark brings decades of legislative experience and national stature.

His leadership is seen by supporters as a stabilizing force capable of bridging divides within the opposition.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola: Celebrated for his innovative governance in Osun State, Aregbesola adds ideological depth and organizational strength, particularly in the Southwest.

His role as National Secretary is viewed as crucial for party administration and coalition-building.

This ruling comes at a pivotal moment. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, a unified ADC could serve as a viable platform for opposition heavyweights, including potential presidential aspirants like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Party leaders have repeatedly expressed confidence in contesting on the ADC ticket despite the legal battles.

Critics within rival factions argue the leadership change amounted to a “hijack,” highlighting ongoing tensions over party ownership and democratic processes inside political organizations.

However, today’s judgment strengthens the Mark-Aregbesola team’s hand, potentially allowing the ADC to focus on strategy, membership expansion, and policy articulation rather than litigation.

Political analysts note that judicial clarity on party leadership disputes is essential for electoral integrity. Prolonged crises can erode public trust and complicate INEC’s preparations.

Yet, they also underscore the vibrancy—and at times fragility—of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy

As one veteran observer put it, internal party wrangling is not new, but the speed and decisiveness of this resolution may allow the ADC to position itself as a serious contender rather than a footnote in the lead-up to 2027.

The ADC has yet to issue an official statement on the judgment, but sources close to the leadership describe it as a “victory for party democracy and the rule of law.” Abejide’s camp could not immediately be reached for comment.

This development will undoubtedly be watched closely by political actors across the spectrum as Nigeria gears up for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.