A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it concerned the internal affairs of a political party.
The judge held that matters relating to party leadership and membership fall within the internal mechanisms of political parties and are therefore not justiciable in court.
Justice Abdulmalik noted that political parties are voluntary associations and that individuals choose to join them without compulsion. According to her, members who are dissatisfied with decisions within their parties should explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms or, if necessary, withdraw from the party and join another.
She emphasized that courts cannot interfere in issues concerning party membership or leadership positions.
David Mark currently serves as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, while Rauf Aregbesola holds the position of National Secretary.
