The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday affirmed former Senate President David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), throwing out a legal challenge brought by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman, the court held that it lacked jurisdiction to intervene in what it described as the internal affairs of a political party. The judge further ruled that Abejide failed to demonstrate any violation of his personal rights or show that he had exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
Justice Liman upheld preliminary objections raised by the ADC, its former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. He determined that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to contest the emergence of Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The court also validated the leadership transition process, noting that a stakeholders’ meeting held on July 2, 2025 where Nwosu handed over the party’s leadership, preceded the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025. The NEC meeting formally ratified the new leadership under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The emergence of the new leadership complied fully with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and other relevant laws,” Justice Liman declared, resolving all issues in the substantive suit in favour of the defendants.
As a consequence of the failed suit, the court ordered Abejide to pay N2 million in costs to each of the defendants. Additionally, his counsel was sanctioned with a N10 million penalty for filing the action, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Abejide had sought court orders to nullify the July 2, 2025 leadership handover, restrain Mark and Aregbesola from acting as party leaders, and prevent INEC from recognising them. He argued that their emergence violated both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
