The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the reinstatement of its disputed leadership on the commission’s official portal.
In the suit, the party is asking the court to compel INEC to restore the names of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, alongside other members of its National Working Committee.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, followed INEC’s removal of the party’s National Working Committee members from its portal earlier this month.
ADC is seeking a mandatory injunction to reverse the decision, arguing that it violates a Court of Appeal order maintaining the status quo in the ongoing leadership dispute.
The party also wants the court to stop INEC from recognising any rival leadership claims until the matter is fully resolved.
The internal crisis within the ADC stems from competing factions laying claim to the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, with disagreements over leadership and control of party organs.
A faction aligned with Ralph Nwosu insists the party will proceed with its planned national convention despite the controversy, stating that preparations for congresses and candidate selection are ongoing and will not be disrupted by INEC’s actions.
“We are moving ahead with our programmes and will not be distracted,” the faction said, maintaining that all required notifications had been submitted to the electoral body.
Meanwhile, another bloc within the party staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding official recognition and accusing rival leaders of attempting to hijack the party structure.
