The African Democratic Congress has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to reinstate the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

The legal action, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows INEC’s removal of their names and those of other National Working Committee members from its official portal on April 1.

In a motion dated April 7, filed by counsel Sulaiman Usman, the applicants are asking the court to grant a mandatory injunction directing the electoral body to restore the party’s leadership structure as it existed before the dispute. The application, brought under the Federal High Court’s civil procedure rules and its inherent powers, is seeking key reliefs, including reversing INEC’s decision and compelling it to recognise the affected officials.

The suit also requests that INEC be restrained from interfering with the party’s leadership records or recognising any rival claims pending the court’s final judgment. This development stems from a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo prior to the dispute.

Amid the legal battle, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu stated that the party would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the leadership crisis. He insisted that INEC’s actions would not disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections, noting that the party has already submitted its schedule in line with electoral laws.

At the same time, a rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a protest in Abuja, demanding recognition from INEC and warning opposing groups against interfering in the party’s affairs. The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the ADC, with competing factions—including those linked to David Mark and former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu—laying claim to the party’s leadership ahead of 2027.

Gombe, who also claims the national chairmanship, urged INEC to comply with the appellate court’s directive and reflect his leadership on its official records, describing it as a matter of justice and adherence to the rule of law.

Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general elections, alleging that state institutions are being used to destabilise the ADC.

Separately, concerns over Nigeria’s security situation were raised by several commentators, who criticised the government’s handling of recurring violence in Jos and other parts of the country. While acknowledging Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State, they argued that more decisive actions—such as improved intelligence gathering, stronger local security systems, and accountability for perpetrators—are needed to address the persistent crisis.