Supreme Court Restores David Mark-Led ADC Executive, Sets Aside Appellate Order

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has set aside the status quo ante bellum order previously issued by the Court of Appeal in Abuja regarding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The landmark judgement, delivered on Thursday, effectively restores the David Mark-led executive to its position, reversing its recent delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a decisive and unanimous ruling, a five-member panel of justices, presided over by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the interlocutory intervention by the Court of Appeal was “unnecessary” given the circumstances of the case.

The apex court’s decision brings a measure of clarity to the protracted legal battle that has threatened the administrative stability of one of Nigeria’s prominent opposition parties.

The Supreme Court’s intervention focused heavily on the procedural irregularities of the lower court’s actions. The justices observed that the appeal concerning ‘jurisdiction’ had been filed prematurely.

Key findings of the apex court included: Procedural Error: The appeal was based on an ex parte order inviting parties to “show cause”, Lack of Leave: The appellants failed to obtain the requisite “leave of court” (formal permission) from the appellate court before filing the challenge on jurisdiction, and Administrative Restoration: By quashing the lower court’s order, the Supreme Court has cleared the path for INEC to recognise the David Mark-led leadership as the legitimate executive body of the ADC.

The restoration of the David Mark-led executive is expected to have immediate ramifications for the party’s internal operations and its preparations for upcoming electoral cycles.

“The judgement reinforces the necessity of adhering to strict judicial procedures and ensures that the party’s leadership remains intact whilst substantive matters are resolved,” noted a legal analyst following the proceedings.

With the David Mark-led team now reinstated, the focus shifts back to INEC to update its records and for the ADC to consolidate its ranks following months of uncertainty and factional disputes. This ruling marks a significant victory for the Mark-led faction in their quest for legitimacy and institutional stability.