Former President of the Senate, David Mark, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to overturn the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In the suit filed before Justice Emeka Nwite, Mark is also asking the court to restore the names of himself and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the party.
The dispute follows INEC’s decision on April 1 to remove the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal, effectively withdrawing recognition of the party’s national leadership. The commission also stated that it would no longer recognise any faction within the ADC, including that led by Nafiu Bala.
Counsel to David Mark is asking the court to set aside INEC’s action and to restrain the electoral body from recognising any rival leadership pending the determination of the substantive suit. He argues that INEC misinterpreted an earlier ruling that ordered parties to maintain the status quo, adding that the last recognised leadership before the dispute remains valid until the case is resolved.
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The case stems from an internal leadership dispute within the ADC initiated by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala, while former party National Chairman Ralph Nwosu is also joined in the proceedings. Justice Emeka Nwite has directed all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs as the court considers the matter, which is now set for an accelerated hearing.
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