The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, declaring former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary genuine.

The court also dismissed a lawsuit contesting their appointments, calling it as without merit.

Justice Musa Liman delivered his decision on Thursday, upholding the preliminary objections presented by the ADC, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola against the lawsuit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide.

Justice Liman found that the case addressed the internal matters of the political party, which the court could not decide.

He concluded that the matter was non-justiciable and so beyond the court’s jurisdiction.

The judge also decided that Abejide failed to prove that the present party leadership had breached any of his legal rights.

He also stated that the congressman did not exhaust the ADC’s internal dispute resolution process before going to court.

On substantive issues, the court decided all questions in favour of the defendants.

Justice Liman ruled that Ralph Nwosu’s transfer of leadership to David Mark did not violate the ADC constitution.

He also acknowledged that the July 2, 2025 gathering at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja was a stakeholders’ meeting preceding the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on July 29, 2025.

According to the decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the NEC meeting, which legitimately elected Mark and Aregbesola as the party’s national leaders.

As a result, the court determined that their formation was in accordance with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act of 2026, and the party’s internal procedures.

According to the decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the NEC meeting, which legitimately elected Mark and Aregbesola as the party’s national leaders.