By Peter Omopo
Former Senate President David Mark has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to overturn the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of his leadership as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a motion filed before Justice Emeka Nwite, Mark is asking the court to compel INEC to reinstate his name as national chairman, along with that of Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national secretary.
INEC had, on April 1, removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal, effectively withdrawing recognition of the party’s National Working Committee. The electoral body also stated that it would no longer recognise any faction of the ADC, including one led by Nafiu Bala, citing its interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgement.
Through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), Mark argued that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s March 12 ruling, which directed parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum.”
The lawyer explained that the directive refers to the last uncontested state of affairs before the suit was instituted, noting that as of September 2, 2025, Mark was the recognised national chairman of the ADC with an established leadership structure.
Mark is also asking the court to set aside INEC’s refusal to monitor the party’s congresses and convention pending the determination of the case. He further seeks an order restraining the commission from recognising any rival leadership or altering the party’s records until the matter is resolved.
According to his counsel, INEC’s decision has created uncertainty within the party and undermined ongoing legal proceedings. He added that the situation has disrupted the ADC’s internal administration and affected its ability to participate effectively in political activities.
Mark is also seeking an accelerated hearing of the case, urging the court to shorten timelines for filing processes and hear the matter on a day-to-day basis due to its significance to the party’s operations.
