ADC Coalition in Crisis as 3 Nigerians Sue to Remove Senator David Mark-Led Interim Leadership
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted as the political platform for a growing opposition coalition, is facing a major leadership crisis. Just weeks after announcing its new interim executives, the party has been dragged to court by aggrieved members challenging the legality of the appointments.
TJ News Nigeria can authoritatively report that three party members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the removal of the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership.
Plaintiffs Challenge Leadership Structure
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1328, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the appointments of Senator David Mark as Interim National Chairman, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, and ex-Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as Interim National Publicity Secretary unconstitutional.
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They argue that the process violates the ADC Constitution (2018 as amended) and question the eligibility and membership status of the new appointees.
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Defendants Listed
- 1st Defendant: African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- 2nd Defendant: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- 3rd Defendant: Ralphs Okey Nwosu (former National Chairman)
Legal Issues Raised
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the plaintiffs are seeking judicial interpretation on the following key issues:
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- Whether the ADC Constitution permits the creation of interim leadership without a national convention or NEC decision.
- Whether the appointees were bona fide members of the party at the time of their appointments.
- Whether Ralphs Nwosu’s handover to the new leadership violated a December 2022 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, which ruled on the party’s internal structure.
- Whether INEC can lawfully recognize the interim leadership in light of procedural concerns.
The plaintiffs are urging the court to declare the appointments null and void, citing a breach of both the party’s constitution and judicial precedents.
Background: Coalition Strategy and Leadership Shake-Up
The legal challenge comes at a delicate time for the ADC, which was recently adopted as the flagship platform for a political coalition reportedly supported by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition aims to unify opposition efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
As part of the coalition’s formation, Ralphs Okey Nwosu announced the dissolution of all existing party structures, paving the way for new leadership under David Mark and his colleagues. This restructuring is now the central focus of the legal battle.
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Implications for the Opposition Coalition
The court case has raised serious concerns about the unity and legality of the opposition’s new platform. Political analysts say the outcome of the suit may determine whether the ADC remains a credible coalition base or collapses under the weight of internal discord—similar to what has been observed in the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The case may also affect the coalition’s ability to coordinate ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections and 2027 preparations.
No Hearing Date Yet
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal High Court in Abuja has not fixed a hearing date for the matter. All eyes are now on the judiciary to provide clarity on the legitimacy of the ADC’s interim leadership.
TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing political story and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
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