The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened as key actors in multiple lawsuits have outlined their positions and legal demands before various courts.
At the centre of the dispute is a suit filed by former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership under David Mark.
Gombe Seeks Removal of Mark-Led Leadership
In the case filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2025, Gombe is asking the court to nullify the caretaker committee that emerged after the party’s July 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Among the key reliefs sought are orders restraining Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from presenting themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively. He is also requesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stop recognising the duo in any official capacity.
Gombe further asked the court to recognise him as the acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution, while seeking to invalidate all decisions and actions taken by the Mark-led group. He also filed motions for interim injunctions to prevent the current leadership from functioning pending the final determination of the case.
Mark Challenges Lower Court Decisions at Supreme Court
In response, Mark and his allies have defended the legality of the NEC process that produced the caretaker committee, insisting it complied with the ADC constitution and relevant electoral laws.
At the Supreme Court, where Mark has filed an appeal, he is seeking to overturn a March 2026 Court of Appeal judgment that dismissed his earlier case on technical grounds. He is also asking the apex court to halt the enforcement of previous rulings that affected his recognition as party leader.
Additionally, Mark is requesting orders restraining INEC from recognising any other leadership faction and preventing alterations to the party’s national structure under his leadership. He has also asked for a stay of proceedings in Gombe’s Federal High Court case until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment.
Other Suits Add to Complexity
The crisis has also triggered similar legal actions from other party stakeholders. A suit linked to Leke Abejide seeks comparable reliefs aimed at stopping the Mark-led leadership from acting in official capacity.
Meanwhile, a separate case involving state party officials, including Don Norman Obinna, focuses on protecting state executive committees from dissolution and maintaining the status quo at the state level amid the national leadership tussle.
Awaiting Final Verdict
As of late April 2026, no court has issued a final ruling determining the legitimate national leadership of the ADC. Most judicial interventions so far have been procedural, including injunctions, adjournments, and status quo orders.
The Supreme Court has since reserved judgment in Mark’s appeal after hearing arguments from all parties, with a date for the ruling yet to be announced.
The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the party’s internal stability and its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
