Supreme Court Decides Fate of ADC Leadership Dispute

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict regarding an appeal from David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Mark is contesting the authority of the judiciary to interfere in the party’s internal governance.

A five-member panel, presided over by Justice Garba Mohammed, opted to reserve judgment after legal representatives presented their closing arguments.

Representing Mark, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) requested that the appeal be granted. He cited a Supreme Court ruling from March 21, 2025, which established that courts lack the jurisdiction to adjudicate internal political party matters.

Consequently, he argued that the Abuja Federal High Court erred in hearing the lawsuit filed against the party’s leadership.

Conversely, Robert Emukpero (SAN), counsel for respondent Nafiu Gombe, asked the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the lower court’s decision, which labeled the initial filing as premature.

The current legal situation stems from an appellate court decision that dismissed Mark’s challenge against Justice Emeka Nwite’s court. The appellate panel determined that the appeal was filed prematurely and without the necessary leave. The court had ordered the case to return to the trial court for a swift resolution while directing all parties to maintain the status quo.

This order led the Independent National Electoral Commission to withhold recognition of the Mark-led executive. Seeking to overturn this outcome, Mark brought the matter before the Supreme Court. The date for the final judgment remains unannounced.