The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims circulating in the media that the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from continuing their roles as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
In a statement released on September 4, 2025, the ADC stated that the court, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, had dismissed an ex-parte application filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. Rather than issuing a restraining order, the court directed that the defendants be notified and required to appear in court to provide reasons why the application should be granted. The case was adjourned to September 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
“The ruling made by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite clearly stated that the Plaintiff/Applicant’s application was refused. Furthermore, the Defendants are to be put on notice, with an order to appear before the court and show cause why the application should not be granted,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC spokesman. “This case will proceed through the due process as outlined by the court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 15, 2025.”
The ADC also criticized the spread of “fake news” by some political operatives who, having failed to convince the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject the leadership change within the party, resorted to spreading false information. According to the party, these efforts to destabilize opposition parties have been unsuccessful, and the public must remain vigilant to avoid being misled by such reports.
“This is a clear attempt by agents of destabilisation to misrepresent court rulings and sow confusion,” Abdullahi continued. “The leadership of the ADC urges all members of the press and the public to exercise caution and verify information before accepting it as true.”
The clarification comes as a response to reports that falsely suggested that the ADC leadership had been legally challenged and restricted from continuing their work.
