A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed the leadership of former Senate President David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the party’s leadership.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Musa Liman held that Abejide’s suit lacked merit and upheld the preliminary objections filed by the ADC, its former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ALSO READ: Gunmen Kill Ex-Ogun State Broadcaster, Security Guard in Early Morning Attack

The judge ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC, describing the matter as non-justiciable. He further held that Abejide failed to establish that any of his legal rights had been violated by the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.

Justice Liman also ruled that the lawmaker failed to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism before approaching the court, a factor that further weakened his case.

The court resolved all three issues raised in the substantive suit in favour of the defendants.

On the question of whether David Mark and Aregbesola emerged as the party’s leaders in accordance with the law, Justice Liman held that the transfer of leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to Mark did not violate any provision of the ADC constitution.

The court further agreed that the July 2, 2025 meeting, where the leadership transition began, was a stakeholders’ meeting that preceded the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.

According to the judgment, the NEC meeting, which was monitored by INEC, validly produced David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the party.

Justice Liman consequently declared that the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola complied with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and all relevant party regulations.

The court also imposed financial penalties on the plaintiff and his counsel.

Abejide was ordered to pay ₦2 million each to all the defendants, while his lawyer was fined ₦10 million in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, was filed on February 15 by Abejide against the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and INEC as the first to fifth defendants respectively.

In the originating summons, Abejide sought eight reliefs before the court, including an order nullifying Nwosu’s handover of the party’s leadership to David Mark and Aregbesola during the July 2, 2025 stakeholders’ meeting held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He argued that the handover was illegal, unlawful, null and void and urged the court to restrain Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

The lawmaker also sought a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognising the duo as leaders of the ADC, maintaining that their emergence did not comply with the requirements of Section 82 of the Electoral Act and other relevant provisions.

However, the court rejected all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, affirming that the leadership transition was valid and carried out in accordance with the law.

The judgment marks a significant legal victory for the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, effectively ending the legal challenge against the party’s current leadership and strengthening its position ahead of political realignments and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his official campaign spokesperson.

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for entrusting him with the responsibility.

SEE ALSO: ‘He Can’t Face Free, Fair Primaries’ – Kenneth Okonkwo Blast Obi

“I give God all the glory for being appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.

The former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson described the appointment as a testament to Atiku’s leadership style, noting that the former vice president embraces dialogue, inclusiveness and compromise rather than taking offence when associates express differing opinions.

According to Okonkwo, discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the current political realities.

He said the engagement reassured stakeholders that the interests of the South-East had been recognised and safeguarded despite the prevailing challenges.

Okonkwo also appreciated Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for their efforts in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

He further thanked his family, supporters and friends for their prayers and encouragement, while seeking continued support as he assumes the new role.

“I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision and protection needed to carry out this challenging responsibility, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised reports that the ADC was considering a South-South vice-presidential candidate, arguing that such a decision would further marginalise the South-East, which has not produced either the President or Vice President since 1999.

Despite the concerns, the ADC later named former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate after the former vice president secured the party’s presidential ticket.

The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Peter Azubuike, has expressed confidence that the party will record a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections, declaring that it would emerge victorious “before 2 p.m.” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were to conduct an election today.

Azubuike made the assertion on Monday while addressing journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

According to him, the Labour Party has overcome its internal challenges and is now fully united and mobilised ahead of the next general elections.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Labour Party Bars Northerners, Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South

He maintained that the party remains the strongest political force at the grassroots in Abia, pointing to its current political representation across the state as evidence of its popularity.

“If INEC conducts an election today, we will win before 2 p.m. because we are the only political party with a strong grassroots presence. We have 184 councillors, 17 local government chairmen, and 20 members of the Abia State House of Assembly. That is evidence of our widespread acceptance and grassroots support,” Azubuike said.

The LP chairman also defended the party’s adoption of the direct primary system for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a transparent process that promotes fairness and reduces internal disputes.

He dismissed reports suggesting that only one nomination form was sold in some constituencies, insisting that several aspirants contested for party tickets in different areas.

“It is not true that only one form was sold. In several constituencies, multiple aspirants purchased forms. In fact, not all sitting lawmakers secured the ticket. A clear example is the Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, where the incumbent did not get the return ticket,” he stated.

Azubuike said the party had continued to strengthen its structures from the ward level to the state level and remained optimistic of another overwhelming victory in 2027.

He further stated that the faction of the Labour Party led by Senator Nenadi Usman is the one recognised by INEC, adding that the leadership had already been granted access to the electoral body’s portal for uploading candidates.

The party, he added, remains committed to internal democracy, grassroots mobilisation and effective leadership as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.