The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has secured a significant legal victory after a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s interim leadership under former Senate President David Mark, a ruling widely seen as strengthening the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The judgment comes amid months of internal disputes that followed the adoption of the ADC by a coalition of opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other prominent political figures seeking to build a united front for the next presidential election.
The ruling also follows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s recent decision to grant the David Mark-led leadership access to the party’s official portal, effectively recognising its candidates despite parallel congresses and primaries conducted by rival factions.
Court Dismisses Leadership Challenge
Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court dismissed a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, ruling that the case lacked merit.
Abejide had challenged the July 2, 2025 transfer of the party’s leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to Senator David Mark, arguing that the process violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
The lawmaker sought orders restraining David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from acting as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, while also asking the court to prevent INEC from recognising them as the party’s leadership.
However, Justice Liman upheld preliminary objections raised by the defendants.
The judge ruled that disputes relating to the internal affairs of political parties are generally beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
He further held that Abejide lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because he failed to demonstrate how the leadership arrangement violated any of his legal rights.
The court also ruled that the plaintiff failed to exhaust the ADC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
Mark, Aregbesola Emerged Lawfully
Beyond jurisdiction, the court also addressed the substantive issues raised in the case.
Justice Liman held that Ralph Nwosu’s handover of the party’s leadership did not violate the ADC constitution.
According to the court, the July 2, 2025 stakeholders’ meeting, during which Nwosu transferred leadership, preceded the National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, where David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola formally emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary under INEC’s supervision.
The judge ruled that the entire process complied with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The court awarded N2 million in costs against Abejide in favour of each of the defendants and further directed the plaintiff’s counsel to pay an additional N10 million pursuant to the Electoral Act.
ADC Hails Verdict
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described the decision as a victory for democracy and constitutional governance.
The party said the ruling finally resolved lingering litigation surrounding its leadership and reaffirmed that leadership disputes within political parties are internal matters.
According to the party, the judgment confirms that the emergence of David Mark’s leadership complied with both the ADC constitution and relevant electoral laws.
The party added that the decision would allow it to concentrate on providing Nigerians with credible alternatives to address insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship instead of being distracted by court cases.
The ADC also commended the judiciary for what it described as courage and impartiality, noting that the award of costs against the plaintiff should discourage frivolous litigation.
David Mark: Victory for Democracy
David Mark also welcomed the judgment, describing it as another milestone for Nigeria’s democratic development.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President said the ruling vindicated the party’s commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and multi-party democracy.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive when political parties are allowed to function without intimidation or unnecessary interference.
Mark said the judgment represented not only a victory for the ADC but also for every Nigerian who believes in a competitive democratic system.
He urged party members to remain united as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Analysts See Major Boost for Opposition
Political analysts believe the ruling removes one of the biggest legal uncertainties confronting the opposition coalition.
Professor Abubakar Kari described the judgment as beneficial not only for the ADC but also for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, a strong opposition remains essential to ensuring competitive elections and preventing the dominance of a single political party.
He noted that the court addressed virtually every legal question surrounding the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
“The ADC is now on a stronger legal footing,” Kari said.
He added that the ruling enables the party to focus on political mobilisation instead of prolonged legal battles.
Similarly, Bayero University lecturer Dr. Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa said the judgment would discourage unnecessary litigation capable of destabilising political parties.
He noted that frequent court cases often weaken campaigns and create uncertainty within opposition parties.
Professor Saleh Dauda also described the ruling as healthy for Nigeria’s democracy, saying it strengthens the opposition’s ability to organise ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the judgment may also improve public confidence in the judiciary.
Kano-based constitutional lawyer Barrister Kamilu Ahmad Paki said the decision aligns with existing legal precedents, which recognise that the internal affairs of political parties are generally beyond judicial interference.
He, however, noted that Abejide still retains the constitutional right to appeal the judgment.
How the Crisis Started
The leadership crisis began after several influential opposition politicians adopted the ADC as the platform for a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and Rauf Aregbesola.
On July 2, 2025, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the resignation of the National Working Committee following consultations with party stakeholders, paving the way for David Mark to assume leadership on an interim basis.
However, former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe rejected the arrangement, insisting he remained the party’s acting national chairman.
His objection triggered multiple court cases challenging the leadership transition and seeking to stop INEC from recognising the Mark-led leadership.
At one stage, INEC suspended recognition of both factions and declined to monitor party activities pending the resolution of the legal disputes.
The commission’s recent recognition of the David Mark leadership, followed by Thursday’s court judgment, has significantly strengthened the coalition’s legal position.
More Legal Battles Ahead
Despite the latest victory, the ADC’s legal challenges are not yet over.
One pending suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe continues to challenge the legality of the leadership transition.
Another case instituted by some aggrieved state chairpersons seeks to prevent the interim leadership from conducting conventions and recognising certain congresses.
Although these matters remain before the courts, political observers believe Thursday’s judgment has substantially strengthened the David Mark-led leadership and provided greater certainty for the opposition coalition as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
