Court Affirms David Mark's Leadership of ADC

On July 29, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Musa Liman, upheld the leadership of Senator David Mark of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and dismissed a suit filed by Representative Leke Abejide (Rep, Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa Muro) challenging this leadership. The court found that Abejide lacked the legal right to institute the suit and failed to demonstrate any violation of rights resulting from Mark's leadership.

The judgment addressed three substantive issues in favor of the defendants, including whether Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, the national chairman, emerged as leaders in compliance with the law. The court ruled that their leadership was valid under the ADC's constitution and the Electoral Act of 2026.

Consequently, the court awarded a fine of N2 million against Abejide and N10 million against his lawyer, Ibrahim Idri, for non-compliance with the Electoral Act. This ruling was described as a significant milestone for Nigeria's democratic journey and reaffirmed the principle of the rule of law.