African Democratic Congress Files Federal Lawsuit Against INEC Over Delisting Of David Mark And Rauf Aregbesola

The ADC heads to court after INEC delisted David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal, sparking a legal battle for control of the party leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Legal Challenge Initiated Against Electoral Commission

The internal leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress has transitioned into a significant legal battle at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Represented by Sulaiman Usman, the party is formally contesting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to alter its leadership records. The lawsuit seeks to compel the commission to restore the National Working Committee to its previous state, arguing that the recent delisting of key officials constitutes an unlawful interference in the party’s internal administrative affairs.

Dispute Centers On Removal Of High Profile Leaders

At the heart of the litigation is the status of Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. On April 1, the commission removed their names from the official portal where they were recognized as the National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. The Mark camp contends that this move directly violates a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment. That previous ruling had explicitly ordered all involved parties to maintain the status quo that existed before the current leadership contest began to escalate.

Emergence Of Competing Factions For Party Control

The court case highlights a deepening schism within the organization as it positions itself for the 2027 general elections. Two distinct factions have now asserted their legitimacy, with one group following David Mark and another led by Nafiu Gombe. Both sides are currently lobbying for formal recognition from the electoral body. Tensions recently moved beyond the courtroom when the Gombe faction organized a public demonstration at the commission’s headquarters, demanding that their leadership structure be validated as the only legal authority within the party.