According to the judge, issues concerning the internal administration and leadership of political parties are not ordinarily subject to judicial intervention unless there is clear evidence of a violation of the law or infringement of legal rights
KaNo —
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday affirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark, dismissing a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, challenging the party’s leadership structure.
Delivering judgment, Justice Musa Liman held that the suit lacked merit and was not justiciable, ruling that it bordered on the internal affairs of a political party, which are generally outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
The court upheld preliminary objections filed by the ADC, its former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, the incumbent National Chairman Mark, and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
Justice Liman ruled that Abejide failed to establish that any of his legal rights had been violated by the emergence of the current leadership.
According to the judge, issues concerning the internal administration and leadership of political parties are not ordinarily subject to judicial intervention unless there is clear evidence of a violation of the law or infringement of legal rights.
On the substantive issues, the court ruled in favour of the defendants, holding that the transition of leadership from Nwosu to Mark did not breach either the ADC constitution or the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Justice Liman also upheld the legitimacy of the stakeholders’ meeting held on July 2, 2025, as well as the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, which collectively produced Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The court noted that the NEC meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, lending credibility and transparency to the process.
As part of the judgment, the court ordered Abejide to pay litigation costs of N2 million each to all the defendants.
In addition, the court awarded N10 million against his counsel in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, a move seen by legal observers as a deterrent against frivolous political litigation.
Abejide had approached the court in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, filed on February 15, seeking to nullify what he described as the unlawful transfer of the party’s leadership from Nwosu to Mark and Aregbesola.
In the suit, the lawmaker joined the ADC, Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
He argued that the appointments of Mark and Aregbesola did not comply with the Electoral Act.
He also sought orders restraining both leaders from functioning in their official capacities and requested the court to stop INEC from recognising them as the ADC’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
However, Justice Liman dismissed all the claims, affirming the legitimacy of the current leadership of the party and reinforcing the principle of party autonomy in internal affairs.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the ADC, which has recently undergone a leadership transition amid efforts by opposition politicians to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku Hails Court Judgement
Reacting to the judgment, the presidential candidate of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar, hailed the decision, describing it as a victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political ends.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku commended the court for upholding the long-established principle that issues relating to the internal affairs of political parties are primarily governed by their constitutions and internal mechanisms.
He praised Justice Liman for what he described as resisting attempts to drag the judiciary into partisan political battles.
“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare,” he added.
Citing an African proverb, he said, “No matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break,” adding that truth and justice would ultimately prevail despite political challenges.
The former vice president also alleged that there had been coordinated efforts to weaken opposition politics through litigation and institutional manipulation.
“We are particularly encouraged because this judgment comes at a time when certain desperate elements operating from the corridors of power have sought, through every conceivable means, to destabilise the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change,” he said.
“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to the sponsorship of proxy litigations, to the manipulation of institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to weaken opposition politics. Today’s decision is a resounding affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and cannot be intimidated into legitimising political mischief,” he added.
Atiku also defended the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership, insisting that the National Working Committee led by Mark emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the ADC constitution.
He urged party members to remain united and focused on building the party ahead of future political contests, while also calling on democrats to continue defending democratic institutions.
The ruling is widely seen as reinforcing judicial restraint in political party disputes while providing a boost to the ADC’s leadership stability as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
