Court of Appeal Ruling Does Not Impact David Mark, Aregbesola's Leadership Roles in ADC, Party Affirms

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that a recent Court of Appeal decision does not affect the leadership positions of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary within the party.

This clarification comes as the party unveiled its timetable for nationwide congresses leading up to its National Convention, scheduled for April 14.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, explained in a statement on Saturday that Senator Mark had initiated an appeal related to the ongoing legal challenge against the party's leadership at the Federal High Court.

Abdullahi emphasized that the Court of Appeal has not ruled on the fundamental dispute concerning the ADC's leadership.

"The case questioning the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary is still pending before the Federal High Court and has not been heard or decided on its merits," the statement clarified.

It further noted that the Court of Appeal did not grant any reliefs to the plaintiff nor issue any orders that would impact the party's leadership structure.

"Conversely, the court mandated that all parties maintain the status quo, meaning the current state of affairs within the party should remain unchanged until the substantive suit is resolved," the ADC stated.

The party urged its members to avoid panic and not to be swayed by any misinterpretations of the court's judgment.

"The Court of Appeal's ruling is strictly procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership of the party.

"The party remains united and focused, despite the actions of anti-democratic elements aiming to impose a one-party system on Nigeria," the ADC declared.

Separately, the ADC released its timetable for nationwide congresses in preparation for the National Convention on April 14.

According to a public notice jointly signed by Prince Chinedu Idigo, National Organising Secretary, and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, Polling Unit and Ward Congresses are slated for April 7, 2026. These will be followed by Local Government Area Congresses on April 9 and State Congresses on April 11.

The entire process will conclude with the party's National Convention on April 14, 2026.

The party advised members aspiring to contest for vacant positions to obtain and submit the required nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.

This announcement serves as the official schedule for the party's 2026 nationwide congresses and National Convention, fulfilling its constitutional duty to renew leadership structures from the polling unit and ward level up to the national convention.

The approved timetable is as follows: Polling Unit and Ward Congresses: Tuesday, April 7, 2026; Local Government Area Congresses: Thursday, April 9, 2026; State Congresses: Saturday, April 11, 2026; and National Convention: Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Interested members should visit the official ADC website (www.adc.org.ng) for forms and further details.

Idigo encouraged all party members nationwide to actively engage in the process and adhere to the party's constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.