By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
(PRECISE POST) – Tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Monday as supporters loyal to the David Mark-led National Working Committee gathered at the entrance of the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling on the judiciary to remain neutral and resist any attempt to weaken opposition politics in the country.
The protesters urged the court not to allow itself to be used in what they described as efforts to destabilise the opposition, amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
The demonstration comes as a legal battle continues between rival factions of the ADC National Working Committee, one led by Nafiu Bala-Gombe and the other headed by Senator David Mark.
According to the protesters, the case currently before the Federal High Court, following a directive from the Supreme Court, is being weaponised to create distractions within the party and undermine its structure.
The dispute traces back to a series of court rulings earlier in the year. The Supreme Court had set aside an order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja that directed all parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership tussle. The apex court subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for accelerated hearing on the substantive issues, including the legitimacy of the party leadership.
Following that decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, reinstating him as National Chairman along with other principal officers of the party’s National Working Committee.
INEC’s updated records also listed former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, while Mani Ahmad was reinstated as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
The latest court-side protest underscores the deepening divisions within the party as both factions continue to lay claim to its leadership structure.
