The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with an emerging leadership crisis, as three disgruntled party members have dragged the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership to court, questioning the legality of their appointments.

Just days after the ADC formally unveiled its coalition-backed national leadership team endorsed by prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi plaintiffs Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify the new leadership structure.

Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1328, the case lists the ADC as the 1st defendant, INEC as the 2nd, and former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu as the 3rd. The newly announced leaders Senator David Mark (Interim National Chairman), Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), and Bolaji Abdullahi (National Publicity Secretary)—are named as the 4th, 5th, and 6th defendants.

The plaintiffs argue that the appointments violate the ADC Constitution (2018, as amended), bypassing the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Convention, both of which are required to approve such major leadership changes.

They are asking the court to determine:

·         Whether interim positions are even permitted under the ADC Constitution.

·         Whether Mark, Aregbesola, and Abdullahi meet the constitutionally mandated two-year party membership requirement to hold national office under Article 9.

·         Whether the handover by former chairman Nwosu violates a 2022 court judgment (FHC/ABJ/1541/2022) issued by Justice Binta Nyako.

The plaintiffs describe the appointments as unconstitutional, unlawful, and null and void, framing them as part of an attempt to hijack the party without due process.

Sources within the party suggest the suit has rattled not only the ADC but also powerful interests within the Presidency, who are said to be monitoring the ADC-led coalition’s momentum with growing suspicion. Allegations are swirling that external forces including some tied to the ruling establishment may be stoking the crisis through legal tactics aimed at destabilising the opposition bloc.

The court case threatens to undermine the coalition’s unity and could delay its organisational buildup ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the ADC is being positioned as the main opposition vehicle against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).