ADC Crisis Deepens as David Mark Challenges INEC De-recognition in Court
ABUJA
The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated, with the faction led by former Senate President David Mark initiating fresh legal action to overturn the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) withdrawal of its recognition.
The move follows INEC’s decision to remove the names of Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party respectively, citing a Court of Appeal directive.
Fresh Legal Battle at Federal High Court
In a motion filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Mark-led faction is seeking an order compelling INEC to restore its leadership structure and recognise its authority pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The application, filed by senior advocate Sulaiman Usman, is also asking the court to set aside INEC’s refusal to monitor the party’s congresses and convention, arguing that the commission’s actions have disrupted the party’s internal processes.
The plaintiffs contend that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s directive to maintain the status quo, insisting that the last recognised leadership before the dispute should remain in place.
They further argued that the electoral body’s decision has created a vacuum within the party, fueling confusion and competing claims to leadership.
Push for Accelerated Hearing
Alongside the substantive application, the Mark camp is pressing for an expedited hearing of the case, citing the urgency and broader implications of the dispute on the party’s operations.
According to the legal team, the lingering uncertainty has paralysed party activities, encouraged the emergence of parallel structures, and could undermine democratic participation if not resolved promptly.
The Court of Appeal had earlier directed that the matter be heard without delay, a position the applicants say should guide further proceedings.
Opposition Leaders Close Ranks
Amid the crisis, prominent opposition figures have begun consultations, raising concerns about the state of political pluralism in the country.
Former Minister Tanimu Turaki, who led a delegation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders on a visit to the ADC leadership, described the engagement as a reflection of shared concerns over challenges facing opposition parties.
The meeting, which reportedly involved key political figures including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, focused on the need for unity and collaboration to safeguard democratic values.
Turaki said the discussions highlighted a growing pattern of pressures confronting opposition platforms and underscored the importance of preserving a vibrant multi-party system.
Umeh Faults INEC, Questions Court Jurisdiction
Meanwhile, Senator Victor Umeh has criticised INEC’s handling of the situation, accusing the electoral body of acting on what he described as flawed legal grounds.
Speaking in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Umeh argued that disputes relating to party leadership fall within internal affairs and should not be subject to judicial intervention.
He cited previous Supreme Court decisions and provisions of the Electoral Act to support his position, insisting that the courts lack jurisdiction over such matters.
The senator maintained that INEC’s reliance on the appellate court ruling was misplaced and warned that the commission’s actions could further complicate the crisis.
Nwosu Insists on Congresses
Despite the legal tussle, another faction within the party has maintained that its planned congresses and national convention will proceed as scheduled, deepening uncertainty over the party’s immediate future.
The conflicting positions have raised fears of parallel structures and further fragmentation within the ADC.
Implications for ADC and Nigeria’s Politics
The unfolding developments have placed the ADC at the centre of a broader debate on internal democracy, judicial intervention, and the role of electoral institutions in party affairs.
Analysts say the outcome of the legal battle could redefine the party’s leadership structure and influence its ability to participate effectively in upcoming political activities, particularly as alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
For now, the ADC remains embroiled in a complex legal and political contest, with stakeholders across the political spectrum closely monitoring the situation.