Supreme Court to Deliver Judgment on ADC Leadership Crisis as David Mark Battles Appeal Court Ruling
The Supreme Court will on Thursday deliver judgment in the ADC leadership dispute, as former Senate President David Mark challenges the Appeal Court ruling ordering parties to maintain status quo.
The Supreme Court has fixed 2 p.m. on Thursday for judgment in the lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting the stage for a crucial legal decision that could determine the control of the opposition party.
The apex court announced the date on Wednesday after hearing final submissions from all parties involved in the dispute, which has deepened divisions within the party and raised uncertainty over its national leadership structure.
The matter was heard by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, which reserved judgment after the parties adopted their final written addresses.
At the centre of the legal contest is the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, which is challenging the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Mark and his allies contend that the appellate court overstepped its authority by making orders in a matter they insist concerns the internal affairs of a political party.
The former Senate President argued before the Supreme Court that disputes over party leadership are internal matters that fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
The appeal stems from a suit instituted by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who are disputing the legitimacy of the current leadership structure under Mark.
Also listed as respondents in the matter are the African Democratic Congress, the party’s National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership structure outside the faction loyal to him until the appeal is finally determined.
His legal team argued that the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo has created uncertainty in the party and could undermine the authority of the leadership currently in place.
The respondents, however, have urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the Court of Appeal acted within the bounds of the law in issuing the interim directive.
They maintained that the lower court’s decision was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the dispute and prevent further complications pending the resolution of the case.
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the ADC, which has been battling internal divisions over its national leadership and organisational direction.
The prolonged crisis has generated legal and political tensions within the party, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.
Political observers say the verdict could either reinforce the authority of the David Mark-led leadership or reopen the contest for control of the party.
The case has also drawn public attention because of its potential impact on the party’s preparations for future electoral activities and its broader role in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Earlier concerns over delays in the ruling prompted the party to petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging expedited judgment on the grounds that the uncertainty was affecting internal party administration.
With the Supreme Court now set to deliver its verdict, stakeholders across the political spectrum are watching closely for what may become a defining moment in the ADC’s leadership struggle.
The ruling is expected to clarify the legal position on the leadership dispute and shape the immediate future of the party’s national operations.