The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application seeking to stop former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from taking charge of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on an ex parte motion brought by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, declined to grant interim orders aimed at restraining the duo from parading themselves as the party’s national chairman and secretary.
The motion also sought to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising their appointments.
Instead, the judge ordered that all parties be put on notice and directed them to appear in court to show cause. The matter was adjourned to September 15 for further hearing.
INEC has already updated its records to reflect the leadership change, 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 at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.