Court Affirms Nafiu Bala as ADC Leader, Bars David Mark and Aregbesola From Claiming Leadership Roles
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and others from parading themselves as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on September 4, 2025, followed a motion ex parte filed on September 2. A certified copy of the judgment was released on September 11, 2025.
The suit was filed by Honourable Nafiu Bala Gombe. The five defendants named in the case are: the African Democratic Congress (1st Defendant), Senator David Mark (2nd), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (4th), and Chief Ralph Nwosu (5th).
A portion of the court’s ruling reads:
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th Defendant from recognizing the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the National Chairman and National Secretary, their agents, cohorts and privies of the 1st Defendant/Respondent herein pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice already filed in this matter.”
The court’s decision effectively bars Mark, Aregbesola, and their associates from making any claims to the national leadership of the ADC until the substantive suit is resolved.
In response, a faction of the ADC welcomed the ruling, describing it as a validation of its long-held position regarding the legitimate leadership of the party.
Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, the faction’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, said the judgment reaffirms the party’s resolve to restore what he called the “authentic glory” of the ADC. He stated that the ruling clears the way for Honourable Bala to continue his role as National Chairman.
He also extended an open invitation to political stakeholders and citizens to join the party, noting that nationwide membership registration would soon be launched.
The faction further urged all coalition partners to unite behind Bala’s leadership, emphasizing that collective action is key to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, prior to the court’s decision, INEC had acknowledged a new set of party executives, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Also recognized were Dr. Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser. Their names were reportedly uploaded to the Commission’s official website.
Mark was named interim National Chairman during a ceremony held in July 2025 at the Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Abuja. This followed the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, the party’s long-serving National Chairman, after the ADC endorsed a coalition movement involving key opposition figures.
In a letter dated July 29, 2025, addressed to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Nwosu formally notified the Commission of the resolutions adopted by the ADC National Executive Committee (NEC) that same day.