Abuja, Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Supreme Court ruling on its leadership tussle, describing the decision as a clear affirmation of the party’s structure and leadership. The verdict, delivered on Thursday in Abuja, set aside an earlier Court of Appeal order that had affected the recognition of the party’s executives.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC congratulated its members and leaders nationwide, noting that the judgment confirms the legitimacy of its current leadership under Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Abdullahi said the ruling reinforces confidence in the party’s structure and internal processes. He also commended the five-member panel of the Supreme Court for what he described as a unanimous judgment that has brought credit to Nigeria’s judiciary and political system.
Despite welcoming the outcome, the party stressed that the decision does not mark the end of its internal struggles. According to the statement, recent developments surrounding the dispute have revealed what it called “a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.”
The ADC maintained that it remains resolute and will not be intimidated or distracted. The party reaffirmed its commitment to offering Nigerians what it described as a credible political alternative, especially as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections.
It also urged its members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant as the situation continues to unfold.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, nullified the Court of Appeal’s earlier directive that ordered the maintenance of the status quo in the ADC leadership dispute. That directive had influenced the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the Mark-led executive.
The apex court ruled that the Court of Appeal overstepped its bounds by issuing a preservative order on a matter still pending before a lower court. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, the court held that such an order was inappropriate after the appellate court had already determined the interlocutory appeal before it.
While the Supreme Court allowed part of Senator Mark’s appeal, it dismissed aspects relating to an ex parte order issued by the Federal High Court on service of court processes.
The court ultimately directed all parties involved to return to the Federal High Court for a speedy continuation of the case, which was initially filed by a party chieftain, Nafiu Gombe, challenging the emergence of the current leadership.
With the matter now returning to the trial court, the ADC leadership dispute remains unresolved at the substantive level, even as the Supreme Court’s ruling reshapes the immediate legal landscape. All eyes are now on the Federal High Court for the next phase of proceedings.