A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the case bordered on the internal affairs of a political party, a matter over which the court lacks jurisdiction.
The judge explained that political parties are voluntary associations, and issues relating to their membership or leadership must be resolved within the party’s internal structures.
Justice Abdulmalik noted that individuals dissatisfied with decisions or leadership within their political parties should make use of the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. She added that such members also have the option of leaving the party and joining another if they remain dissatisfied.
According to the court, disputes concerning party membership and leadership are not justiciable, meaning they cannot be determined by the courts.
Based on this position, the court dismissed the suit challenging the leadership positions of Mark and Aregbesola in the ADC.