During a hearing on July 29, 2025, a lawyer for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) testified that the INEC had verified the nominations of Senator David Mark and Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola for the positions of National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the party.
The party’s position that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting took place on that date and produced the current leadership was backed by INEC, according to the counsel, who addressed reporters following a court hearing in a video that went viral on X.
“INEC’s position agrees with us that the party did hold a NEC meeting on the 29th of July 2025, during which His Excellency, Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola was elected as National Secretary of ADC and Distinguished Senator David Mark as National Chairman of ADC,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned that INEC has acknowledged and confirmed its participation in the meeting.
“They also confirmed in their report that they attended the NEC meeting and that the meeting produced Senator David Mark and Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary,” the lawyer claimed.
He asserts that the meeting was recorded by INEC, which subsequently submitted a report to the court for consideration.
The report they attached is the product of their labour. “Indeed, INEC shares our views on this matter,” he stated.
The plaintiff’s counsel rejected her allegations, saying the case was without evidence and had no basis.
He asserted that the plaintiff’s case was based on speculation and gossip, which he claimed had never taken place.
He elaborated that the plaintiff had failed to present evidence to support their contention that the party leaders arose on July 22, 2025.
A record proving the appearance of Senator David Mark and Aregbesola on July 22, 2025, is lacking, he stated, refuting their case.
On the other hand, he claimed that the party has evidence to back up its stance.
Our records indicate that the party notified INEC of the upcoming NEC meeting on July 29, 2025, on July 4, 2025. Meetings were held on that particular date. According to him, INEC was present and they issued a report.
The party’s argument is supported by the evidence before the court, according to the lawyer.
“Although we possess evidence that the meeting occurred on the 29th, they do not possess any document to substantiate their claim,” he stated.
The plaintiff’s standing to file the complaint was also cast into doubt by him.
“Where exactly is the person who initiated this legal action located?” “He is just a member, not an official of the party,” he stated.
Individuals are unable to pursue legal action on party internal affairs, according to the attorney, who cited Supreme Court decisions.
He went on to say, “The Supreme Court is very clear that no individual has any right to institute such action, and no court has jurisdiction to entertain it” when it comes to matters that interfere with a political party’s internal affairs.