Court shifts ruling in ADC leadership dispute involving Mark, Aregbesola

A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed judgment in a suit challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pushing the decision to April 14.

The ruling, initially expected on Monday, was delayed after Justice Musa Liman was engaged in another official assignment.

The case was filed by Leke Abejide, who is contesting the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership arrangement involving former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.

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Dispute over party control continues

Abejide is asking the court to invalidate what he describes as an unlawful leadership transition within the ADC, alleging that due process was not followed.

He is also seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the current leadership structure.

The defendants, including the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, Aregbesola, and INEC, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that it concerns internal party affairs and is therefore not justiciable.

They also maintained that the leadership transition was properly carried out during a National Executive Committee meeting in July 2025.

The court is now expected to deliver its ruling on April 14, 2026.