Connect with us

Local News

Legal Battle: Coalition Leaders Consider Plan B, As Aggrieved ADC Members Files Sult Against David Mark Leadership, Details Emerge

As 2027 permutation heats up, pressure begins to mount among political gladiators with different purposes and personal gains.

Like the saying that politics is a dirty game, the intrigues have just begun as intruders and enforcers already *planning to hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) through the judiciary*

 

As legal hurdles loom, leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are not leaving anything to chance as they have decided to pursue the registration of the Advanced Democratic Party (ADA).

The decision of the opposition leaders to follow through with the ADA option, it was gathered, is a result of a threat by a member of the ADC to challenge the takeover of the opposition party by political heavyweights.

ADA is one of the many political associations seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It was the platform that aggrieved members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others had wanted to use to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party in the 2027 general election.

The interim leader of the ADA is Chief Akin Rickets, with its headquarters at UAC Complex, Samuel Ademulegan Street, Central Business District, Abuja.

LEADERSHIP had last month reported that another political association with the acronym, ADA, was seeking to be registered by INEC.

The platform is named the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA), which is number 110 on the list after the coalition’s ADA, which is listed as 109 on the commission’s log.

However, Umar Ardo, a key convener of the Coalition group, played down the situation, adding that they applied before the other association.

Ardo told LEADERSHIP Sunday, “No problem. We’re there before them.”

However, a former presidential candidate of the ADC, Dumebi Kachikwu, has repeatedly opposed the takeover of ADC by the coalition leaders.

A political scientist, Jideofor Adibe, last Thursday claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would encourage Kachikwu to engage in legal disputes with the David Mark leadership of the party to derail it from its mission of wresting power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In this vein, three dissatisfied members of the ADC have reportedly filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the removal of Senator David Mark as the party’s interim leader.

The plaintiffs, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila, also contested the legitimacy of Mark and others serving as interim leaders, arguing that the transfer of the party’s leadership to those involved in the coalition arrangement may have violated an existing court judgement.

The ADC coalition, led by interim national chairman Mark and national secretary Rauf Aregbesola, has, however, clarified that all the legal requirements were sorted out before they assumed leadership.
Meanwhile, ADC state chairmen had on July 11 declared support for David Mark’s leadership after an Abuja meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Kingsley Ogga, chairman of the ADC Forum of State Chairmen and the Kogi State party chairman, reaffirmed the support of the state chairmen to the interim leadership and the coalition following growing speculations about internal divisions within the ADC, especially among the state chapters.

The ADC further announced that at least 97 lawyers were ready to represent the party in an ongoing court case.

Sources close to the members of the coalition confided in one of our correspondents that they were already discussing the possibility of registering another party.

‘‘The leaders of the coalition are not sleeping. They know what the ruling party is capable of doing. That’s why we are planning what we can describe as Plan B. We won’t allow them to catch us unawares,’’ the source said.

However, in response to the prospects of ensuring that the ADA is registered by INEC, the ADC national publicity secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the coalition won’t abandon the registration of the political association as a party.

He, however, said he won’t say whether or not ADA will be an alternative platform.

‘‘We won’t abandon the plan to register the ADA. We are still on it. But asking if it is an alternative platform, I won’t answer that, but be assured that we are still pursuing the registration,’’ he said, just as he dismissed the notion of an existing faction in the party.

‘‘There are fears that a faction has gone to court? Why do you love factions? There is no faction. A faction is a technical term. For a faction to be recognised as a faction, it means that some members or a member of the NEC of the party has gone on their own. That isn’t correct. All the members of the National Executive Committee of the party are with us. We still met on Thursday. So, there is no faction. If a state chairman in one of the states of the country decides to do whatever he likes, it is his right,” he explained.

Abdullahi, a former minister of youth development in the Jonathan administration, revealed that the feedback ADC has received from Nigerians so far has been encouraging.

“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm we have received so far. You will agree with me that where ADC was before July 1 is not what the party is today in terms of branding, recognition, and acceptability, and now we can energise the Nigerian public about the possibility of an alternative.

‘‘We have shown that we have a party that is ready to challenge for power. Don’t forget that it is a new party. It is a marathon and the work isn’t going to be done now. We have been encouraged by how Nigerians have accepted us,” he said.

Post Views: 355
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Local News

Why Serie A Defenders Should Fear Victor Osimhen’s Potential Return, According To Ex-Napoli Star Mario Rui

Victor Osimhen celebrating a goal for Napoli in Serie A.

Why Serie A Defenders Should Fear Victor Osimhen’s Potential Return, According To Ex-Napoli Star Mario Rui

Former Napoli defender Mario Rui has issued a playful but serious warning to Serie A defenders: prepare for chaos if Victor Osimhen ever returns to Italy.
And honestly? He might be right.

The Super Eagles striker has already carved his name into Italian football history — and Rui believes his return would immediately shift the balance of power in the league.

“Victor Can Play For Any Top Club In The World” — Rui

Speaking to Tutto Sport, Rui didn’t mince words about Osimhen’s talent.
During Napoli’s iconic Scudetto-winning season, Rui and Osimhen formed one of the league’s most dangerous attacking connections.

Rui said:

“Look, Victor is someone who can play for any top club in the world. It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned.”

He even singled out Juventus, suggesting Osimhen’s presence alone could drastically transform their squad value and title chances.

Osimhen’s Legendary Impact In Italy

In case anyone forgot — Osimhen wasn’t just good in Serie A… he was historic.

  • 26 goals in the 2022/23 season

  • First African to win the Capocannoniere

  • Surpassed George Weah as Serie A’s highest-scoring African

  • Led Napoli to their first league title in 33 years

He left Italy with 65 Serie A goals in just 108 matches — a monster return for any striker.

Then He Went To Turkey… And Got Even More Lethal

On loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen didn’t slow down.
He exploded.

  • 37 goals

  • 8 assists

  • 41 matches

  • Another league title

  • And a renewed reputation as one of Europe’s deadliest forwards

No wonder Rui believes he can dominate “anywhere in the world.”

What Osimhen’s Potential Return Means For The Global Sports Market

If Osimhen ever steps back into Serie A:

  • Player valuations shift

  • Broadcast attention spikes

  • Sponsorship opportunities multiply

  • Market interest in Nigerian and African players increases

He isn’t just a striker — he’s a sports market catalyst, capable of shaping commercial and competitive landscapes.

And that’s exactly why Sports Market International tracks stars like him closely.
Because players like Osimhen don’t just score goals — they reshape economies.

Want To Advertise With Us?

Reach our highly engaged sports audience today.
📩 sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Post Views: 4
Continue Reading

Local News

Funke Oshonaike Makes History As First Nigerian Appointed To The IOC Athletes’ Commission

Funke Oshonaike celebrating during a table tennis match representing Nigeria

Nigerian sports just bagged another major win — and this time it’s thanks to one of the country’s most enduring legends, Funke Oshonaike.
The seven-time Olympian has officially become the first Nigerian ever appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices in global sports.

This historic announcement came as IOC President Kirsty Coventry appointed five new members to reinforce the commission ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Oshonaike now joins an elite group of global athletes including:

  • Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha (Iran, Badminton)

  • Husein Alireza (Saudi Arabia, Rowing)

  • Cheick Sallah Cissé (Côte d’Ivoire, Taekwondo)

  • Mariana Pajón (Colombia, Cycling)

“I’m Excited, And My Efforts Were Noticed” — Oshonaike Reacts

For Oshonaike, this moment is more than an appointment — it is a dream fulfilled.

In her words:

“I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world.”

She added:

“This appointment confirms that my efforts did not go unnoticed. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me the rare opportunity to live well in life.”

And truly, if anyone has earned that seat, it’s Oshonaike — a woman who represented Nigeria in seven consecutive Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020. That’s not just consistency; that’s greatness on autopilot.

IOC President Applauds The New Class

IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the importance of the Athletes’ Commission in shaping the Olympic Movement:

“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do.”

With the latest appointments, the commission now includes 23 members, representing athletes from across continents and from both summer and winter sports. Impressively, it maintains its gender balance with 13 women and 10 men.

The body ensures that athletes’ voices — from grassroots to the global stage — influence top-level decisions in the Olympic ecosystem.

Why Funke Oshonaike’s Appointment Matters

This milestone hits differently for Nigeria and Africa at large:

  • It elevates Nigeria’s influence in global sports governance.

  • It positions African athletes more strongly in Olympic policymaking.

  • It shows that dedication, longevity, and excellence always get rewarded.

For a legend who has been inspiring young African athletes for nearly three decades, this is the perfect continuation of her legacy.

Sports Market International — Your Home For Top Sports Stories

At Sports Market International, we celebrate iconic moments, global sporting achievements, and the athletes shaping the future.

Want your brand seen by thousands of passionate sports fans, bettors, analysts, and enthusiasts?

📩 Want To Advertise With Us? Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Your audience is waiting.

Post Views: 12
Continue Reading

Local News

Fikayo Tomori Explains Why He Chose England Over Nigeria

Fikayo Tomori in England national team jersey

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on the international stage, explaining that the Nigerian Football Federation never officially contacted him.

Tomori, who initially represented Canada at youth level, later switched allegiance to England, earning five senior caps to date. While several English youth internationals with Nigerian heritage, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, have opted for the Super Eagles, Tomori’s path led him to the Three Lions.

Tomori On His Decision

Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, Tomori outlined how England reached out after his stint with Canada’s youth team:

“I was playing for the Canada youth team, but about four months later, the England Academy manager reached out about the possibility of switching over. The next international break, England called me, and I knew I had to go. I thought if I said no, would I ever get a call-up again?”

He added that the transition felt natural because many of his Chelsea teammates, like Tammy Abraham, were already in the England setup.

“It didn’t feel different [from Canada] because all my friends were in there… it felt like Chelsea again,” Tomori said.

Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity

Tomori admitted that if Nigeria had made an approach, he might have considered playing for the Super Eagles.

“If it was Nigeria, I’d have gone,” he stated.

However, he clarified that no official call ever came, leaving him with no real choice.

“Would I have changed to Nigeria from England? I don’t know because at the time, I was playing for Chelsea, so I thought I would play for England. It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make.”

As Tomori continues to establish himself in Serie A with Milan, he now focuses on securing a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, hoping to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.

Want To Advertise With Us?

Reach millions of football fans across Africa.
📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Post Views: 38
Continue Reading

Trending