The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports claiming that a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an injunction stopping Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from acting as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 11, 2025, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the news as “fake” and spread by “desperate political jobbers” who want to destabilize the party.
The statement explained that on September 4, 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite, who is presiding over the case filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, refused to grant the ex-parte application to stop Mark and Aregbesola. Instead, the judge ordered that the defendants be notified and asked to explain why the application should not be approved. The case was then adjourned to September 15, 2025, for further hearing.
Mallam Abdullahi emphasized that no restraining order was issued against the current leadership of ADC.
The party blamed the false reports on opponents who failed to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing ADC’s new leadership structure. “The resort to fake news has become the last tactic of desperate political actors who, having failed with INEC, now attempt to mislead the public by misrepresenting court rulings,” the statement said.
The ADC called on journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that spreading misinformation undermines democracy and confuses Nigerians.
The African Democratic Congress has faced internal leadership disputes following changes in its national leadership. Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola have taken prominent roles in the party, leading to challenges from opposing factions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently recognized the new leadership, which caused friction within the party and prompted legal challenges.
Fake news and misinformation have become common tactics in Nigerian politics, especially around court cases and leadership struggles. Parties often warn the public to be cautious and rely on verified information to maintain peace and trust in the democratic process.
