The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application seeking to restrain former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from assuming leadership positions in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, refused to grant interim orders that would have prevented Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s national chairman and secretary.
The application also sought to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising their appointments. However, the judge ordered that all parties be put on notice and directed them to appear in court to show cause. The case was adjourned to September 15 for further hearing.
In the meantime, INEC has already updated its records to reflect the change in leadership, formally recognising Mark and Aregbesola as part of the new National Working Committee.
Their emergence followed the dissolution of the previous committee led by Chief Ralph Nwosu during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.