Court to Hear Suit Against David Mark's ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set April 14, 2026, to hear a suit filed by Nafiu Bala, the former Deputy National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), challenging the leadership of David Mark, the former Senate President. Bala's suit, filed on September 2, 2025, requests the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Mark's leadership and to compel the electoral body to acknowledge him as the acting national chairman following Ralph Nwosu's exit.

Bala contends that his resignation from the position of Vice Chairman should have automatically led to his assumption of leadership, as supported by the party's constitution. The court previously directed that INEC must appear to show cause why the application should not be granted.

Mark has since filed an appeal against the court's jurisdiction, which was dismissed by the appellate court, directing that the case return to the trial court. The INEC announced on April 1 that it would no longer engage with Mark's faction.