The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Friday as the David Mark-led faction intensified consultations with other political parties, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), amid mounting legal and political challenges to its leadership.
The development comes as the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to determine on Monday the legality of the Mark-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ADC, in a suit challenging the emergence of the factional leadership.
The suit, filed by the party’s only member in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, seeks to nullify the leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark and other key officials, including former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged violations of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Abejide is asking the court to declare the July 2, 2025 leadership transition at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, illegal and void, arguing that it was not backed by a properly constituted National Executive Committee or national convention. He is also seeking an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the current leadership.
While opposing the suit, counsel to the defendants argued that the matter borders on the internal affairs of a political party, over which the court lacks jurisdiction.
Justice Musa Liman is expected to deliver judgment on the matter on Monday after hearing final arguments from all parties.
In a related development, another suit challenging the ADC leadership filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe has been fixed for hearing on Tuesday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The case also seeks to remove the Mark-led faction from leadership positions, while questioning the legitimacy of their emergence.
Court documents show that INEC had earlier removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal following a Court of Appeal ruling, although a motion has since been filed seeking a reversal of the decision.
Meanwhile, the Mark faction has reportedly been engaging in consultations with opposition groups, including a recent meeting with the PRP leadership led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. The meeting is believed to be part of efforts to build alliances following growing uncertainty over the party’s internal structure.
Sources say the faction had also held similar talks with another political bloc within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent days.
Despite plans to hold a national convention scheduled for April 14, there are indications of confusion within the party, as state congresses required to precede the exercise remain incomplete in several states.
In Edo State, rival factions continue to battle for control of the party structure, with opposing camps loyal to Senator Roland Owie and former National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun holding separate congresses and making competing claims of legitimacy.
Amid the crisis, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned lawyers and judges against interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could undermine democracy. The association threatened disciplinary action against legal practitioners who engage in what it described as abuse of court processes in political disputes.
The NBA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality in handling party matters, warning against actions that could weaken political competition.
As legal battles intensify and factional divisions widen, uncertainty continues to surround the future leadership and planned national convention of the ADC.
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