Fresh Legal Tussle Shakes African Democratic Congress: Inside the Battle Over Party Leadership and Internal Politics
A new chapter has unfolded in the ongoing political drama within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the party’s leadership wrangles have spilled into the Federal High Court in Abuja. At stake is the legitimacy of ADC’s interim committee, known as the NOWAHALAZONE, which is currently headed by former Senate President David Mark. The controversy, now before the courts, could have implications for opposition politics ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election — and is drawing increasing attention from political watchers across West Africa.
What Sparked The Leadership Dispute?
The latest legal showdown began with a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC. Gombe is challenging both the legitimacy of the newly installed interim National Working Committee (NWC), led by Senator David Mark, and his own removal as a party leader. At the heart of the lawsuit is a demand: stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Mark’s administration and the current NOWAHALAZONE pending a resolution.
The ADC’s Legal Countermove
However, the ADC has swiftly pushed back through its legal counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), urging the court to dismiss Gombe’s claims. In a preliminary objection submitted on Monday, the party described the case as “an abuse of judicial process” and argued that disputes over internal party affairs are outside the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts. According to Aruwa, “the apex court has consistently held that matters touching on the National Working Committee (NOWAHALAZONE) of political parties are non-justiciable.”
The Legal Debate: Courts and Political Party Disputes in Nigeria
The legal debate centers on whether Nigeria’s courts can intervene in leadership or membership issues within political parties. The ADC, supported by citations from previous judgments, maintained, “Political parties being associations, disputes regarding the internal affairs thereof, especially between the political party and any of its members, are not justiciable, therefore, not within the jurisdiction of courts. The courts do not have the requisite statutory vires to interfere in or with political decisions by political parties.”
This position mirrors a broader trend in Nigerian law that shields party structure and discipline from judicial interference, unless constitutional rights are violated or specific statutory provisions are breached.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
The suit, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, includes five defendants: the ADC itself, Senator David Mark as Chairman, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and former party National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu. Stakeholders say the presence of prominent names like Mark and Aregbesola underscores the gravity of the confrontation and its potential to shape the politics of opposition coalitions heading toward 2027.
INEC’s Stance and Early Court Rulings
Gombe’s legal team had sought a restraining order to prevent INEC from recognising the Mark-led interim leadership. However, Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling delivered on September 4, denied this initial ex parte application and directed that the defendants be properly served with court documents. According to legal observers, this signals the court’s initial reluctance to intervene summarily in internal party matters.
Procedural Challenges and Adjournment
During the most recent court session, INEC’s lawyer, Kingsley Magbai, confirmed the commission had received the originating summons. Justice Nwite, however, pointed out that the court file’s service copy appeared blank, and reminded the plaintiff that each defendant must be personally served, not simply through party channels. Notably, while ADC and INEC were represented in court, members of the Mark-led National Working Committee were absent — raising questions about the level of engagement from the party’s top brass.
The proceedings have been adjourned to September 30, providing time for proper service of legal documents to all parties. This adds another layer to an already complex dispute, with political analysts warning that prolonged litigation could impact opposition party stability and grassroots mobilisation, especially as the 2027 general election looms.
Broader Political Implications: Internal Feuds and Opposition Strategy
This legal saga unfolds against a backdrop of significant realignment within Nigeria’s opposition ranks. Just weeks ago, INEC officially recognised Senator Mark as leader of the ADC’s NWC, cementing the interim leadership and signaling to supporters and political rivals that the party seeks unity and experienced guidance heading into the next election cycle.
In a related development, the party’s founding Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, announced that the ADC had collapsed its structure into a broader opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition’s stated goal is to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, a move that has already sparked debate on coalition-building and party loyalty in Nigeria.
Expert Perspectives and Local Reactions
- Lagos-based civil rights advocate, Ms. Precious Ajayi: “Nigerian political parties need to focus on internal democracy. These kinds of legal cases undermine public trust in opposition parties. The sooner they resolve their internal disputes, the better for our electoral process.”
- Kaduna political analyst, Mallam Aminu Bako: “While the law protects a party’s internal structure, we must ensure members aren’t arbitrarily pushed aside. Parties must balance discipline with fairness.”
- Abuja-based lawyer, Chukwudi Okonkwo: “The courts have historically avoided political party internal disputes unless there’s clear evidence of constitutional breach. This case is unlikely to be the exception.”
The Situation in Broader African Context
Legal wrangles over party leadership aren’t unique to Nigeria. Across West Africa — from Ghana’s NDC and NPP factions to Sierra Leone’s SLPP disputes — courts have repeatedly been called to mediate internal party quarrels, often with similar limitations. Many legal frameworks in the region echo Nigeria’s stance that party structure and appointments should primarily be handled by party organs, not the courts, except in clear cases of illegality or rights violations.
What Could Happen Next?
As the case returns to court on September 30, political observers will be watching for signs of compromise, acceleration, or escalation. INEC’s recognition of the Mark-led NWC provides one level of certainty, but a protracted legal contest could still disrupt party operations, affect local and national election plans, and dilute opposition efforts against the ruling party coalition. Meanwhile, grassroots members and coalition partners are eager for clarity, with several urging leaders to prioritise unity over internal squabbles.
Key Takeaways for Nigerian and West African Politics
- This dispute may set precedents for future battles over party leadership in Nigeria and trigger reforms in how such challenges are resolved.
- Legal wrangling over party structure is widespread but rarely overturned by the courts unless constitutional or statutory violations are proven.
- The outcome will likely impact the composition and readiness of opposition coalitions for the crucial 2027 general election.
Local Impact and Community Voices
In communities across Nigeria, party supporters and activists are watching the ADC’s internal strife closely. Many say that sustainable change and credible opposition require strong internal unity, not just in the ADC but in all parties hoping to challenge incumbent power. As one grassroots member in Kano put it, “We want our leaders to stop dragging each other to court and focus on the bigger picture — winning elections and delivering on their promises.”
Share Your Perspective
Do you think party courts should intervene in internal disputes, or should such matters always remain in-house? How do you see this affecting Nigeria’s opposition politics as 2027 approaches?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow us for the latest updates as this story develops in court and across the Nigerian political landscape.
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