ADC members challenge legality of interim leadership in court

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has pledged to uphold transparency within the party under his leadership.

Senator Mark reaffirmed the party’s neutrality on the issue of presidential aspirants, stating that the coalition’s current priority is to develop a credible and inclusive platform that resonates with the majority of Nigerians.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the ADC’s Kogi State chapter in Abuja, the former Senate President stressed that all party members are “equal stakeholders, equal joiners, and equal owners”.

He called on members to put aside personal differences and work collectively, emphasising that unity was essential for building the party before any ambitions could be considered.

Meanwhile, the ADC has accused a rival political party of instigating legal action against its interim leadership using the names of individuals who are not members of the ADC.

According to the party, the names listed in the suit do not appear in either the physical or digital membership registers of the ADC in Kogi or Nasarawa states.

In a related development, three individuals—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a ruling on the legality of the ADC’s interim leadership.

The plaintiffs contend that founding member Ralph Nwosu lacked the authority to convene a National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), or any other official meeting, given that his tenure as National Chairman had expired.

They further argued that the interim executives “cannot and should not act” in any leadership capacity, asserting that their appointment stemmed from what they described as an “illegal meeting” orchestrated by the former national chairman.

In response, the ADC’s National Legal Support Group has pledged to defend the party in court.

The group’s leader, Mr Mohammed Sheriff, disclosed that 97 lawyers have expressed their willingness to represent the party in the ongoing legal proceedings.