The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore its leadership records on the commission’s portal.
In a motion on notice filed before Justice Emeka Nwite, the party is asking the court to set aside INEC’s decision to remove members of its National Working Committee (NWC) and its refusal to monitor the party’s congresses and convention.
The applicants are also seeking an order directing INEC to immediately reinstate and maintain the names of all NWC members—pending the determination of the substantive suit.
INEC had, on April 1, removed the names of David Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) from its official records.
The motion, dated April 7 and filed by Mark’s counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), follows a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the last uncontested state of affairs before the suit.
Usman argued that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s order by removing the leadership names, thereby creating a vacuum and effectively refusing recognition.
“The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered. This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court,” he submitted.
The application seeks three key reliefs, including: setting aside INEC’s actions, restoring the leadership records, and restraining the commission from further interference pending the final determination of the case.
In a separate motion, the ADC is also requesting an accelerated hearing, urging the court to fast-track proceedings due to the implications for its leadership structure and political activities.
Usman argued that the uncertainty has disrupted the party’s internal administration, hindered participation in political processes, and created the risk of parallel leadership claims.
The dispute stems from an earlier suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman, who challenged the Mark-led leadership. In response, the appellate court directed all parties to return to the lower court and maintain the existing structure until the matter is resolved.
The case, which also involves Ralph Nwosu, a former national chairman who stepped down for the current leadership, is expected to determine the control and recognition of the party’s leadership structure.
