The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has debunked claims circulating in the media that a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from acting as the party’s national chairman and secretary.
In a statement issued Thursday by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party explained that the court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had in fact rejected an ex parte application filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe on September 4, 2025.
Rather than granting the order, Justice Nwite directed that the defendants be served and appear in court to state why the application should not be granted. The matter was adjourned to September 15, 2025.
“The court did not issue any restraining order,” the ADC said. “It simply followed due process by inviting the parties to appear and respond accordingly.”
The party dismissed the reports as “fake news” orchestrated by “desperate political jobbers” bent on destabilizing its leadership after failing to block the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing its new executives.
It further cautioned journalists and the public against amplifying unverified claims, stressing that all authentic court directives are duly signed by Justice Nwite and certified by court registrar, Kasope Kafayat Bola.
The ADC reiterated its confidence in the judiciary and urged its members to remain focused ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Civil society groups monitoring party disputes have also warned that the circulation of misleading legal claims is fast becoming a tool for political sabotage, calling for stricter penalties against those who deliberately spread false court rulings.
Party officials concluded by assuring members that the leadership remains intact and fully committed to its reform agenda, pledging that “no amount of mischief or disinformation will derail the ADC from its democratic mission”.
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