The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports claiming that a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from serving as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC clarified that Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case on September 4, 2025, rejected an ex parte application brought by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. The judge instead ordered that the defendants be put on notice and directed them to appear before the court to show cause why the application should not be granted. The matter was adjourned to September 15, 2025, for further hearing.
“The ruling was explicit,” Abdullahi said, listing four clear orders made by the court: “First, the Plaintiff/Applicant’s application dated and filed on September 2, 2025, was refused. Second, the Plaintiff/Applicant was directed to put the Defendants on notice. Third, the Defendants/Respondents were ordered to appear before the Honourable Court to show cause why the application should not be granted. Fourth, the case was adjourned to September 15, 2025, for the Defendants/Respondents to show cause.”
The ADC stressed that no order was issued against Senator Mark or Ogbeni Aregbesola, contrary to what it described as “misleading publications” aimed at confusing the public.
According to the opposition party, the spread of falsehoods reflects the desperation of political actors dissatisfied with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the party’s leadership change.
“Resorting to fake news has become the last refuge of political jobbers who have been frustrated by INEC’s firm stance in acknowledging the will of the Nigerian people,” the party declared.
The ADC urged journalists and citizens to exercise caution and verify information before circulating it, warning that misinformation could mislead Nigerians and undermine the democratic process.
