S’Court Upholds David Mark as ADC Chair, Voids Appeal Court Order

The Supreme Court has affirmed the leadership of David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting aside an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court nullified the order of “status quo ante bellum” issued by the appellate court in the protracted leadership dispute within the party.

The five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the order by the lower court was unnecessary and procedurally flawed.

The ruling effectively restores the executive led by Mark, reversing moves that had resulted in its delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The court further faulted the appeal filed on jurisdictional grounds, noting that it arose from an ex parte order inviting parties to show cause, without first obtaining the required leave of the appellate court.

Legal observers say the verdict brings temporary clarity to the leadership question in the ADC, which has been mired in internal disputes and litigation.

The crisis within the party has lingered for months, with rival factions contesting control of its structures and legitimacy of its leadership. The dispute led to a series of court actions and counter-actions, as well as administrative complications involving party recognition.

The ADC has, in recent times, also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to interfere in its internal affairs, alleging that the crisis was being fuelled from outside to weaken opposition forces ahead of future elections. The APC has, however, denied the allegation.

Analysts note that the leadership tussle reflects broader challenges within smaller opposition parties in Nigeria, where internal cohesion and institutional stability often come under strain.

With the Supreme Court’s decision, attention is expected to shift to how the party consolidates its structures and resolves lingering grievances among its members.