ADC Escalates Legal Battle with INEC Over Leadership Recognition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has initiated a significant legal confrontation against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), filing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The party is demanding that INEC restore the names of its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, to its official records. This move follows INEC's reported removal of these officials from its portal on April 1, 2025, which the ADC claims is an administrative action affecting its leadership structure.
Legal Proceedings and Court Relief Sought
In the motion filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the ADC, represented by counsel Sulaiman Usman, SAN, is seeking a mandatory injunction to compel INEC to reverse its decision. The application, dated April 7, requests that the electoral body reinstate the party's National Working Committee members pending the determination of the substantive case. Specifically, the ADC has asked the court to set aside INEC's removal of the names and to direct the commission to maintain records of Senator Mark and Aregbesola, along with all members of the National Executive Committee. Additionally, the party seeks to restrain INEC from recognizing any alternative leadership until the case is resolved.
Background of the Dispute and Court of Appeal Ruling
The legal action is linked to a Court of Appeal judgment from March 12, which arose from a leadership dispute initiated by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Gombe. The appellate court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, meaning the situation before the dispute began. This ruling has been interpreted differently by factions within the ADC, leading to further confusion and conflict over party leadership.
ADC's Internal Processes and 2027 Election Preparations
Despite the ongoing leadership crisis, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu has stated that the ADC remains focused on its internal processes and preparations for the 2027 general elections. In an interview on Channels Television, Nwosu emphasized that the party would not be distracted by administrative disagreements with INEC. He confirmed that the ADC has submitted its timetable to INEC and received approval, with congresses already underway and a national convention scheduled for April 14 to validate these activities.
Factional Protests and Accusations of External Interference
In a parallel development, a rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition as the legitimate leadership of the ADC. This group, which includes House of Representatives member Leke Joseph Abejide, accused opposing camps of attempting to hijack the party structure. Gombe urged INEC to comply with the Court of Appeal's status quo ante bellum order by placing his name on the portal.
Furthermore, ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is interfering to destabilize opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Okonkwo claimed that state institutions are being used to weaken internal cohesion within opposition ranks, adding to the political tension as parties position themselves for the upcoming electoral cycle.
Widening Internal Rift and Defection to ADC
The crisis within the ADC has deepened, with rival factions aligned to different political figures vying for control of the party structure and recognition by INEC. This internal rift is occurring as the party aims to establish legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a related development, former senator for Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, has defected to the ADC, citing political manipulation by the APC as his reason for joining the opposition party.
The ADC's legal action and internal disputes highlight the challenges facing political parties in Nigeria as they navigate leadership conflicts and electoral preparations. With the 2027 elections approaching, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the party's future and the broader political landscape.
