The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the leadership of David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, dealing a major blow to attempts to challenge the party’s leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to Punch, Justice Musa Liman dismissed a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, ruling that the matter involved the internal affairs of a political party and was therefore beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge also held that Abejide lacked the legal standing to institute the suit and failed to exhaust the ADC’s internal dispute resolution mechanism before approaching the court.
The case sought to nullify the July 2025 transfer of party leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to the current leadership, which includes Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Justice Liman ruled that the leadership transition complied with both the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. The court awarded costs of N2 million each against Abejide in favour of the defendants and also ordered his counsel to pay N10 million in costs.
Reacting to the judgment, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy and vowed to remain focused on his 2027 presidential ambition.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku praised the court for upholding legal principles on jurisdiction and internal party mechanisms.
He said the judgment came at a critical moment when opposition parties were facing pressure and attempts to destabilise them through litigation.
Atiku also defended the legitimacy of the Mark-led National Working Committee, insisting it emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the party’s constitution.
Mark welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major victory for democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President said the judgment reaffirmed the right of political parties to operate without intimidation or undue interference.
He said the decision was not only a victory for the ADC but also for democracy and every Nigerian who believes in a vibrant political system.
The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, also hailed the judgment, saying it reinforced the party’s position that leadership disputes remain internal matters and are not justiciable.
The opposition party expressed hope that the ruling would end repeated legal attempts to destabilise its leadership as it positions itself as a major coalition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
