The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark, dismissing a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the party’s leadership structure.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Musa Liman held that the case was not within the court’s jurisdiction, explaining that disputes arising from the internal affairs of political parties are generally not subject to judicial intervention.
The court also ruled that Abejide failed to establish sufficient legal standing to bring the action, noting that he did not demonstrate how his personal rights were affected by the leadership arrangement within the party.
In addition, the judge observed that the lawmaker did not exhaust the ADC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before heading to court.
Justice Liman further upheld preliminary objections raised by the ADC, its former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, Mark, and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, resolving all issues in their favour.
On the question of legitimacy, the court found that the transition of leadership within the party complied with both the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
It noted that the stakeholder meeting held on July 2, 2025, which initiated the leadership handover, preceded the National Executive Committee meeting of July 29, 2025, where Mark and Aregbesola were formally recognised under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court concluded that the process was valid and consistent with legal requirements.
In addition to dismissing the suit, Justice Liman ordered Abejide to pay N2 million in costs to each of the defendants.
The court also imposed N10 million in costs on his legal counsel in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Abejide had asked the court to nullify the leadership emergence of Mark and Aregbesola and restrain INEC from recognising them as party leaders, arguing that due process was not followed.
The court, however, rejected all his claims.
