Femi Ashekun/
Human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has sharply criticised the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee from its portal, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Reacting on X, Ogun stated: “Both factions in ADC, their lawyers, INEC, and the courts know verily that leadership and membership disputes are not matters within the jurisdiction of the courts. Who, then, wants to kill Nigeria’s democracy?”
Ogun’s comments come amid growing concern that the legal tussle over ADC’s leadership, involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and Senator David Mark’s faction, is being used to manipulate party politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute intensified after Hon. Gombe filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 seeking recognition as acting National Chairman following the resignation of the former party chairman, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu.
Senator Mark’s group contested the claim, resulting in a series of appeals and interlocutory orders.
In March 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld the preservation order to maintain the status quo ante bellum, prompting INEC to announce the decision to remove Mark’s faction from the portal and refrain from recognising any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by them until the trial court delivers its judgment.
However, Ogun highlighted a potential legal conflict, pointing to Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which expressly states: “No Court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”
“Yet, court orders are being weaponised to destabilise ADC opposition leadership,” Ogun said, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where judicial intervention overrides party constitutions and democratic processes.
Political analysts suggest that the ADC, widely regarded as the most formidable opposition to the ruling APC, could face significant disruptions in its preparations for party primaries, candidate selection, and grassroots mobilisation.
“This legal intervention may freeze internal party activities at a time when every week counts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle,” one analyst noted.
INEC has defended its position, stating that it is acting strictly in compliance with Court of Appeal orders to safeguard ongoing judicial proceedings.
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