David Mark Supporters Stage Protest At Abuja Federal High Court

Supporters of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark on Monday staged a protest at the entrance of the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling on the judiciary to resist any attempt to undermine opposition parties through the legal process.

The demonstration comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC involving two rival factions — one led by Senator David Mark and the other by party chieftain Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

The protesters claimed that the court case, which was recently referred back to the Federal High Court by the Supreme Court, is being used as a strategy to distract and weaken the opposition party.

In April, the Supreme Court overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that had directed all parties involved in the leadership dispute to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case. That appellate court decision had earlier informed the action of Independent National Electoral Commission in withdrawing recognition of the David Mark-led leadership.

Delivering a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing of the suit filed by Nafiu Bala-Gombe, who is challenging the emergence of the Mark-led leadership and other related issues.

Following the apex court’s decision, INEC reinstated Senator David Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC and restored other key members of the party’s National Working Committee.

The electoral commission subsequently updated its records and official website to reflect the party’s leadership structure, listing David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

Other party officials reinstated by INEC include Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The leadership crisis continues to generate legal and political tension within the ADC as both camps await further proceedings at the Federal High Court.