by Godwin Orozo-
Three members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the party’s newly appointed interim executives, including former Senate President David Mark.
In a suit filed on July 4, the plaintiffs, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila are seeking a judicial declaration that the appointments of Mark as interim national chairman, Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, and Bolaji Abdullahi as national publicity secretary are unconstitutional and invalid.
According to the plaintiffs, the interim leaders were installed at an “illegally convened” meeting orchestrated by a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure had already expired.
“Mr. Nwosu had no authority to summon a National Working Committee (NWC) or National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, much less appoint interim officers,” the suit states. “The entire process that led to the appointment of the so-called interim leadership was a violation of the party’s constitution.”
The plaintiffs further argue that the interim executives “cannot and should not act” in any official leadership capacity, describing the appointments as “an affront to internal democracy and due process.”
They are asking the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Mark, Aregbesola, and Abdullahi in their interim roles.
This legal challenge comes just weeks after a coalition of opposition leaders unveiled the ADC on June 2 as a political platform to unify forces against President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general elections.
Prominent figures in the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai. The bloc had presented the ADC as a viable alternative, with Mark and Aregbesola announced as key interim leaders.
However, the legal tussle has cast a shadow over the unity effort. “You cannot build a national movement on a foundation of illegality,” said one of the plaintiffs, Adeyemi Emmanuel. “We believe in the vision of the ADC, but it must be rooted in due process and transparency.”
The controversy continues to stir debate within political circles, raising questions about the future cohesion of the opposition alliance.
