The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the party to suspend its planned national convention.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court directed the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by seven aggrieved members.
The plaintiffs, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, said they instituted the case on behalf of themselves, as well as all ADC State Chairmen and State Executive Committees.
Those behind the suit include Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pan Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick.
Meanwhile, the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark has declared that his group will neither act in fear nor relinquish control of the party’s structure.
In the case, the ADC is listed as the first defendant, alongside key party figures such as David Mark, Patrick Akwashiki, Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola, Oserheimen Osunbor, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to April 23 for a definite hearing and directed all parties to file the necessary processes to enable swift resolution of the matter. She also ruled that all pending applications would be considered alongside the substantive suit, as they are based on affidavit evidence.
The court further ordered all parties to refrain from taking any actions that could undermine the proceedings.
“I order that all parties maintain the status quo and refrain from further steps that may render the court’s proceedings ineffective,” the judge ruled.
The development comes as the Supreme Court of Nigeria fixed April 22 to hear an appeal relating to the ADC leadership crisis.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, adjourned the appeal to allow the faction led by Senator Mark to file and serve legal documents on all respondents within 24 hours.
The appeal seeks to overturn an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that also directed the party to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of another suit filed by aggrieved members led by Nafiu-Bala Gombe.
ADC Convention: We’ll not surrender – David Mark
The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark has declared that his group will neither act in fear nor relinquish control of the party’s structure.
Mark, a former senate president, said the stakes go beyond internal party leadership, noting that the struggle is tied to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy amid alleged attempts to impose a one-party system.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while declaring open the faction’s national convention in Abuja.
Mark noted that the faction has faced significant pressure from the ruling government aimed at undermining its activities. However, he noted that successfully organising the convention demonstrates their resilience and determination.
He pledged that under his leadership, the party would hold its elected officials accountable. He also assured that the ADC would remain united and committed to its principles.
He further emphasised that the party’s supremacy would be upheld, stressing that its constitution would remain the ultimate authority in guiding its affairs.
The faction is proceeding with the convention despite the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) two weeks ago to withdraw recognition of its leadership.
INEC referenced the 12 March ruling of the Court of Appeal as the basis for suspending recognition of Mr Mark’s faction of the party. The commission also stated that it would not have any dealings with another faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala, one of its former national vice chairmen.
Both factions have since protested the decision, each insisting it is the legitimate leadership of the party.
The Mark-led group has also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, along with the national commissioners.
Earlier today, the Supreme Court fixed 22 April to decide an appeal filed by Mr Mark, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which INEC relied upon to derecognise his leadership of the party.
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