The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assembled a formidable legal team of 97 lawyers to defend its interim leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, against what it describes as a politically motivated and “fake lawsuit” filed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the legitimacy of the ADC’s interim leadership and seeks to remove Mark as the party’s interim national chairman.
The ADC alleges that the APC orchestrated the suit by using the names of individuals who are not registered members of the party in Kogi and Nasarawa states, where the plaintiffs claim affiliation. The party accuses the APC of engaging in “Machiavellian politics” by fabricating plaintiffs to undermine the opposition coalition that the ADC is helping to build for the 2027 general elections.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Senator Mark assured party members and Nigerians of his commitment to transparency and inclusiveness, emphasizing that the ADC belongs to all Nigerians and will not favour any presidential aspirant. He urged unity among party members to strengthen the ADC as a credible political alternative.
Barrister Mohammed Sheriff, head of the ADC’s national legal support group, confirmed the mobilisation of 97 volunteer lawyers ready to defend the party and its leaders in court. The legal battle is expected to test the validity of the interim leadership and the broader opposition coalition formed to challenge the ruling APC in the upcoming elections.
The ADC’s response highlights the growing tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a key player in the fight for democratic reforms and political accountability.
