ADC Drags INEC to Court to Restore David Mark and Aregbesola; Lawyers Demand Immediate Reversal of ‘Illegal’ Portal Deletion as Hearing Set for Monday

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has “flipped the script” from a protest on the streets to a high-stakes showdown in the courtroom. The party filed suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeking a mandatory injunction against INEC. The “Solution” to the current administrative blackout, according to the party, is a court-ordered restoration of its top officials, Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, to the electoral commission’s digital records.

The “Renewed Hope” for stability was shattered earlier this month when INEC wiped the ADC’s leadership from its portal, effectively making the party “faceless” in the eyes of the law. Counsel for the party, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, described the move as a “Tsunami” of administrative overreach. He argued that by removing the names, INEC is unlawfully choosing a winner in an ongoing dispute before the Supreme Court has even had its say. “INEC cannot be the judge and the executioner in our internal affairs,” he stated.

The “Drill or Drop” reality of this lawsuit is tied to the party’s upcoming congresses. Because their names are missing from the portal, INEC has reportedly refused to monitor the party’s activities, which could make their 2027 primary elections invalid. By suing for recognition, the David Mark faction is trying to “tinker” with the legal gears to ensure the party remains a viable “Third Force” alongside allies like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

As the Federal High Court prepares to hear the matter this Monday, the “digital trenches” of the ADC are more divided than ever. Rival claimant Nafiu Bala Gombe continues to insist that he is the rightful heir to the chairmanship following Ralph Nwosu’s resignation. For the average voter, the message remains confusing: the ADC is currently a party with two chairmen, one portal, and a very long road ahead to the 2027 ballot box.