Aregbesola Moves to Stop Enforcement of Court Judgment Nullifying ADC Leadership

According to a report by The Nation on Sunday, November 8, 2026, former Osun State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to prevent the enforcement of its judgment that nullified the party’s David Mark-led leadership.

Aregbesola filed a motion asking the court to suspend the implementation of its November 5 ruling pending the determination of his appeal against the decision. Among the reliefs sought was an order stopping further action arising from Orders 7 and 8 of the judgment.

Through his lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff (SAN), he argued that the judgment should not be enforced while the appellate court considers his objections to the ruling. He maintained that his appeal raises important legal questions concerning the jurisdiction of the trial court and the interpretation of the ADC constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The former governor also challenged the court’s authority to determine the leadership dispute, arguing that Justice Peter Lifu failed to properly consider the party constitution’s provisions on interim appointments.

His appeal specifically questioned the decision to invalidate his emergence as national secretary because the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting did not conduct an election. He argued that Article 23(4) of the ADC constitution allows the appropriate executive organ to appoint a replacement to fill a vacancy pending an election at the next convention or congress.

Aregbesola further asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the findings against him and dismiss the claims arising from the disputed NEC resolutions. Alternatively, he requested a fresh hearing before another judge if the appellate court upholds the lower court’s jurisdiction.

The legal move follows a suit instituted by Nafiu Gombe, who claimed he was entitled to take over the ADC leadership after former national chairman Raph Nwosu resigned.

Gombe had challenged the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other members of the interim National Working Committee, insisting that their appointments violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Justice Lifu subsequently delivered the November 5 judgment nullifying the Mark-led leadership and recognising Gombe’s claim to oversee the party’s affairs.

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