ADC Members Head to Court, Seek Reversal of Mark and Aregbesola’s Leadership Takeover

ADC Members File Suit to Challenge Legitimacy of Mark, Aregbesola’s Interim Leadership

Three members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to contest the legality of the party’s newly constituted interim leadership, which includes former Senate President David Mark.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1328/2025 and filed on July 4, was brought by Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila. They are questioning the legitimacy of the appointments of David Mark as interim leader, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as interim National Publicity Secretary.

These appointments followed the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as the party’s national chairman. However, the plaintiffs argue that Nwosu had no legal standing to summon any meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), or other decision-making bodies, as his tenure had expired.

The suit claims that the interim officials were chosen during a meeting that was neither constitutionally recognized nor legally convened, rendering their appointments invalid. The plaintiffs insist that those currently acting in leadership roles were installed through an improper and unauthorized process.

The plaintiffs also requested that the court issue an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the newly appointed executive members.

Tanko: Obi Poised to Secure ADC Presidential Ticket

Peter Obi has all it takes to clinch the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, according to Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

Tanko, speaking with The Nation, said Obi remains the most formidable contender, citing his strong base of over 10 million youth supporters from the 2023 general election.

He emphasized Obi’s widespread national appeal and warned against sidelining him within the ADC for “selfish reasons.”

“Obi is the most prepared candidate. He connects with the people across North, South, East, and West. He’s a global figure whose popularity can’t be ignored,” Tanko stated.

Obi recently appeared alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to unveil ADC as a new coalition platform.

Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) said its doors remain open to all aspirants. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said: “The Labour Party is an inclusive platform. Anyone interested in contesting is welcome.”

Basiru: ADC Leadership Change Illegal, Coalition Is a Ruse

Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the recent leadership shakeup in the ADC, describing it as illegal.

He also dismissed the idea of a coalition, claiming the rhetoric is either deceptive or rooted in ignorance.

“There is nothing like a coalition in this case. Nigerians should not be misled,” he said.

Basiru Dismisses Coalition, Labels ADC Takeover a ‘Circus Show’

Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has downplayed claims of a new coalition involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling it misleading and unserious.

In a statement to The Nation, Basiru argued that the term “coalition” is misplaced in Nigeria’s presidential system.

“A coalition is appropriate in parliamentary systems when no party has a majority. In a presidential system like ours, using that term is just grandstanding,” he said.

He described the developments within the ADC as a political stunt driven by disgruntled politicians defecting from their original parties.

“This is just a circus. You can’t claim to be a protem chairman of an already established party. ADC has been registered for years — there’s a procedure to leadership. What we’re seeing is an illegal assemblage of non-members declaring themselves leaders.”

Basiru also denied that the APC was concerned about the so-called coalition, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still recognizes the existing ADC leadership.

“There’s nothing new on INEC’s website. This leadership change is just noise,” he added.

On the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he said:

“PDP is a sinking ship. Atiku Abubakar joining ADC only confirms he no longer believes in his party.”

ADC Not for Sale – BoT Chairman

Amid rising speculation over the party’s direction, Chairman of the ADC Board of Trustees, Dr. Ibrahim Mani, has declared that the party remains independent and is not being sold.

Speaking during a televised interview, Mani said ADC was only undergoing restructuring to accommodate new members joining the political realignment.

“We’ve been building this party for over two decades. ADC is not for sale. We rejected offers to buy it outright. This is about building a new political platform — a true alternative,” he explained.

He confirmed that discussions with coalition leaders had been ongoing for over a year, but the party insisted on collaboration rather than acquisition.

“What we’re witnessing is not transactional politics. It’s a movement aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political future,” Mani added.

Oyebanji Debunks APC-to-ADC Defection Rumours

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has denied media reports linking him and other top APC officials in the state to a defection to the ADC.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji reaffirmed his allegiance to the APC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oyebanji and the public officials named in those reports remain fully committed to the APC. They have no links to the ADC,” the statement read.