Supporters loyal to the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday staged a protest at the entrance of the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling on the judiciary not to allow itself to be used to weaken opposition parties in Nigeria.

The protest comes amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC involving two rival factions — one led by former Senate President David Mark and the other headed by Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

The demonstrators accused those behind the legal challenge of attempting to distract and destabilise the opposition party ahead of future political contests. According to the protesters, the court case is part of a broader effort to weaken opposition voices in the country’s political landscape.

The crisis stems from a leadership dispute that previously reached the Supreme Court. In April, the apex court overturned an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had directed parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

That appellate court ruling had earlier prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.

However, in a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel, the Supreme Court ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for a speedy hearing of the substantive suit filed by ADC chieftain Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

The suit challenges several issues surrounding the emergence of the David Mark-led leadership structure within the party.

Finance Ministry Approves Payment For Over 1,240 Contractors In Debt Clearance Drive

Following the Supreme Court ruling, INEC restored David Mark as National Chairman of the ADC and reinstated other members of the party’s National Working Committee. The electoral commission also updated its official records and website to reflect the restored leadership structure.

Among those reinstated were former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

At the protest ground, supporters urged the judiciary to handle the matter fairly and independently, warning against any attempt to use legal processes to suppress opposition politics.

They maintained that the ADC should be allowed to focus on strengthening its internal structures and preparing for future elections without what they described as unnecessary distractions.

The protesters also argued that a strong opposition remains essential for Nigeria’s democratic development and political balance, especially as political parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leadership dispute within the ADC has continued to generate tension within the party, with both factions insisting on the legitimacy of their claims. Political observers say the outcome of the Federal High Court proceedings could significantly shape the party’s future direction and influence within Nigeria’s opposition space.