ADC debunks reports on sack of David Mark, Aregbesola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed as misleading and politically driven the reports alleging that Senator David Mark and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, were removed as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

In a statement on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, did not sack the leadership during proceedings on September 4, 2025. Instead, the court rejected an ex-parte application filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and directed that the defendants be put on notice. The matter was then adjourned to September 15 for further hearing.

The clarification comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognised Mark and Aregbesola as the new leaders of the party a development that has stirred opposition in some quarters.

“Contrary to misleading publications, the court did not restrain Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from functioning as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC. What the court ordered was for the defendants to be notified and to appear to show cause why the application should not be granted,” the statement read.

The certified ruling, signed by Justice Nwite and certified by Kasope Kafayat Bola, Registrar of the Federal High Court, shows four orders: refusal of the plaintiff’s ex-parte motion, notice to defendants, directive for them to appear, and adjournment of the matter to 15 September.

The ADC accused “political jobbers” of twisting the ruling in an attempt to destabilise the party following INEC’s recognition of its new leadership.

“Having failed to stop INEC from acknowledging the leadership change in ADC, these agents of destabilisation are now resorting to misrepresenting court rulings to sow confusion and undermine opposition parties,” the statement added.

The party urged journalists and the public to verify reports before publication or circulation, warning against the dangers of misinformation.