FHC Abuja: David Mark ADC Leadership Challenge FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 Adjourned Amid Recusal Fines

• The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit challenging the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until September 28, 2026.
• The case, FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was filed by aggrieved ADC member Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who alleges violations of the ADC constitution and Electoral Act.
• Justice Peter Lifu previously dismissed recusal applications from the ADC and interim National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, citing alleged bias, and awarded N1 million in costs against each.
• Gombe seeks to restrain Mark, Aregbesola, and other interim National Working Committee members from acting as party leaders.

The plaintiff contends that their ascension to these leadership roles constitutes a clear violation of both the established provisions within the ADC constitution Electoral Act violation.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed proceedings in a significant legal action challenging the current leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeks to prevent the faction led by David Mark from presenting themselves as the legitimate leaders of the political party. The adjournment, announced on Monday, September 14, 2026, pushes the next hearing date to September 28, 2026.

This African Democratic Congress leadership suit was initiated by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, an aggrieved member of the ADC, who is contesting the legitimacy of the party's interim National Working Committee. The matter was scheduled for the consideration of various pending applications before Federal High Court Abuja Justice Peter Lifu. However, the court could not proceed with the scheduled hearing because the presiding judge was unavailable, necessitating the postponement. This David Mark ADC leadership challenge FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 underscores ongoing internal strife within the party.

Prior to this recent adjournment, the case had seen significant procedural developments. On June 16, Justice Lifu had set the stage for the hearing of all outstanding applications. This decision followed his dismissal of two separate applications that sought his recusal from the proceedings. Both the ADC, as a party to the suit, and its interim National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had filed these applications, citing concerns of alleged bias on the part of the judge.

Justice Lifu, however, found these applications to be without merit. In a decisive ruling, he not only rejected the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recusal application and the similar one from the ADC but also imposed financial penalties. The court ordered both the ADC and Mr. Aregbesola to pay N1 million each in costs to the plaintiff, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, highlighting the court's stance on the procedural challenges raised.

At the heart of the Nafiu-Bala Gombe v ADC litigation are serious allegations regarding the formation of the party's interim leadership. Gombe's substantive suit directly challenges the legitimacy of David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and other members of the interim National Working Committee. The plaintiff contends that their ascension to these leadership roles constitutes a clear violation of both the established provisions within the ADC constitution Electoral Act violation.

The legal action specifically requests the court to issue an order restraining these individuals from continuing to act or portray themselves as leaders of the African Democratic Congress. The list of named defendants in this crucial case is comprehensive, including the ADC itself as the first defendant, followed by David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ralph Nwosu, who served as the party's pioneer National Chairman until 2025 when he stepped down for David Mark.

This ongoing African Democratic Congress leadership suit carries significant implications for internal party governance and the enforcement of democratic principles within political organizations in Nigeria. The plaintiff's reliance on alleged breaches of the party's own constitution and the Electoral Act highlights the critical role these foundational documents play in ensuring legitimate leadership emergence. The outcome of FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 could set important precedents for how internal party disputes are resolved and how closely political parties must adhere to their own rules and national electoral laws.

The court's firm stance on the recusal applications, including the award of substantial costs, also signals a judicial inclination to prevent delays through procedural maneuvers lacking substantive grounds. This aspect of the case, presided over by Federal High Court Abuja Justice Peter Lifu, underscores the judiciary's commitment to moving cases forward efficiently, even in high-stakes political litigation. The eventual resolution of this David Mark ADC leadership challenge will undoubtedly be closely watched by political stakeholders and legal practitioners alike.

Lawyers advising political parties or individuals involved in party politics should track this case for its implications on internal party leadership disputes, the interpretation of party constitutions, and the Electoral Act regarding the emergence of party executives. The dismissal of recusal applications and award of costs also highlights procedural considerations in such high-stakes litigation.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Newspaper