ADC Supporters Protest At Court Over Leadership Tussle

Backers of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is led by David Mark, took position at the entrance of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, appealing to the judicial system not to be manipulated in a way that undermines opposition parties.

According to Naija News, the demonstration occurred during the ongoing legal dispute involving the ADC leadership, with Nafiu Bala-Gombe leading one faction and David Mark heading another as a former Senate President.

The demonstrators claimed that the legal case, which the Supreme Court sent back to the Federal High Court, was designed to divert attention away from the opposition party.

In April, the Supreme Court overturned a prior ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that had instructed the parties in the ADC leadership conflict to maintain their previous conditions.

This prior ruling had been used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the Mark-led faction of the party.

In an unanimous ruling from a panel of five judges, the Supreme Court instructed the conflicting parties to go back to the Federal High Court for a prompt resolution of the lawsuit initiated by Nafiu Bala-Gombe, a senior party member.

This lawsuit questions, among other matters, the validity of the leadership that Mark leads within the ADC.

After the Supreme Court's decision, INEC reinstated Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC and brought back other key members of its National Working Committee.

The commission also adjusted its website to show the updated leadership organization, including listing Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State, as National Secretary.

Moreover, Mani Ahmad was reinstated as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu became National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor was established as National Legal Adviser.

The demonstrators urged the judiciary to approach the matter with equity, cautioning against being used to suppress opposition forces in the nation.

They emphasized that the ADC should be permitted to concentrate on its political endeavors without unwarranted interruptions as the 2027 elections approach.