…As ADC diaspora seeks prompt resolution of INEC, court issues before 2027
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned judgment in a suit filed by Leke Abejide, seeking to stop David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as national chairman and national secretary of the African Democratic Congress.
Justice Musa Liman, who had earlier fixed Monday for judgment, postponed the ruling until Tuesday due to another official engagement.
Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives under the ADC platform, is asking the court to nullify the alleged leadership transfer within the party, describing it as unlawful and invalid.
The lawmaker, through his counsel, Ibrahim Idris, is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Mark and Aregbesola from acting in the said capacities.
He further wants the Independent National Electoral Commission barred from recognising them as interim leaders of the party.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, lists the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola and INEC as defendants.
Abejide is specifically challenging the July 2, 2025 handover of party leadership at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, arguing that it violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, the defendants, represented by various counsel including Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, and others, urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that Abejide lacks the legal standing to institute the case.
They maintained that the matter concerns the internal affairs of a political party, which they described as non-justiciable and outside the court’s jurisdiction.
The defence also contended that the party’s leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, and not from the earlier date cited by the plaintiff.
Counsel to INEC, Anthony Onyeri, also asked the court to dismiss the suit, noting that the commission had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the claims.
Justice Liman is expected to deliver judgment on the matter on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the U.S. chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to ensure timely resolution of ongoing legal matters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Safiyanu Saidu (Maibiyar), ADC U.S. Chairman, made the call in a statement on Monday.
Ali said developments affecting opposition parties required attention, noting that they were “ongoing, not speculative,” and urged Nigerians to remain attentive to the process.
He said the ADC was working to strengthen its platform ahead of 2027, describing it as “a credible alternative” in the evolving political landscape.
Ali said the party observed the removal of the names of Sen. David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s portal on April 1, which he said had implications for its leadership structure.
“This was not suspension but deletion. It has thrown ADC into confusion ahead of key elections,” he said.
He linked the development to a suit filed by Mr Nafiu Bala, currently before the Federal High Court, and called for timely resolution.
“Justice delayed is democracy denied,” he said.
Ali also highlighted the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their remittances remained significant.
“We are not outsiders. We sustain the economy and will not be silent,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions, including the judiciary.
“Perception matters. Judicial neutrality must not be compromised,” he said.
Ali called on stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.
“To INEC, reverse the action, to the judiciary; act without delay,” he said.
He added that the party would continue to engage citizens through lawful means ahead of the elections.
“We are mobilising citizens to defend democracy through lawful means,” he said.
Ali stressed the need to safeguard democratic processes to ensure credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
“If opposition is silenced, democracy becomes a coronation, not a contest,” he said
