David Mark retains ADC chairmanship as court throws out Abejide’s case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Senator David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after dismissing a suit filed by Representative Leke Abejide against the leadership of the party.

In his judgment handed down yesterday, Justice Musa Liman upheld preliminary objections raised by the ADC, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in which he declared that the suit was without merit.

The court ruled that it had no jurisdiction to delve into the internal affairs of political parties and that the case was without merit as the complainant had not shown how his rights were infringed by the leadership.

Furthermore, Justice Liman ruled that the transfer of leadership of the party from Ralph Nwosu to David Mark was not contrary to the ADC Constitution.

According to the judgment of the court, stakeholders’ meeting took place on July 2, 2025, after which National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting took place on July 29, 2025, resulting in the appointment of David Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The judge ruled that the appearance of the two leaders was consistent with the ADC Constitution, Electoral Act, and other laws.

Furthermore, the court awarded ₦2 million each in costs to all the defendants in favor of Abejide.

Additionally, Justice Liman imposed a cost of ₦10 million against the counsel for Abejide in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Abejide had sought the annulment of the transition of leadership to Mark and Aregbesola as well as restraint against INEC from recognizing them.