A Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the ADC leadership under former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
According to daily post, Justice Musa Liman delivered the judgment on Thursday. He dismissed a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, who challenged the emergence of Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ruling comes amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 general election. It also strengthens the party’s leadership following recent internal changes.
The court upheld the preliminary objections raised by the ADC, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark and Aregbesola.
Justice Liman ruled that the dispute involved the party’s internal affairs. Therefore, the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter because it was non-justiciable.
The judge also held that Abejide lacked the legal standing to file the suit. According to the court, he failed to show that his rights were affected by the current ADC leadership.
In addition, Justice Liman found that the lawmaker did not exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution process before approaching the court.
The judge resolved all three substantive issues in favour of the defendants. Consequently, the plaintiff’s claims failed on every major ground before the court.
The court further ruled that Mark and Aregbesola emerged in line with the ADC constitution. It also held that the transfer of leadership from Ralph Nwosu to Mark did not violate the party’s constitution or any applicable law.
As a result, Justice Liman affirmed the legitimacy of the ADC leadership.
The judgment is expected to end the legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s national executives. Moreover, it allows the leadership to focus on party affairs and preparations for future political activities.
Although the ruling settles the dispute at the Federal High Court, any dissatisfied party may still pursue further legal action if permitted by law.
See also: ADC crisis: Court adjourns Nafiu Bala’s suit against David Mark to June 30
However, the decision stands as a major victory for the ADC leadership, reinforcing the positions of David Mark and Aregbesola within the party.
