Supreme Court Reinstates David Mark as ADC Leader
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday delivered a significant judgement regarding the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effectively restoring the leadership led by...
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday delivered a significant judgement regarding the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effectively restoring the leadership led by Senator David Mark.
The apex court ordered parties to return to the Federal High Court for expeditious hearing of the case filed by an aggrieved chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenging, among others, the emergence of the Mark-led executives of the party.
The apex court set aside an earlier “status quo ante bellum” order by the Court of Appeal, which had effectively barred David Mark’s faction from acting as the party’s leadership.
A panel of five members, chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, determined that the Court of Appeal overstepped its authority by issuing a status quo order after finishing the pertinent proceedings.
The Supreme Court did not issue a final verdict on who legitimately leads the ADC. Instead, it ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an “expeditious hearing” of the substantive case on its merits.
The ruling voids the basis upon which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted when it removed David Mark and his executives from its official portal. INEC is now expected to restore their recognition pending the high court’s final decision.
The Supreme Court has set aside the order made by the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordering the maintenance of status quo ante bellum in the leadership dispute in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Garba held that the Court of Appeal had no business making a preservative order in respect of a case that was pending before the trial court, having determined the interlocutory appeal brought before it by Mark against the September 4 interlocutory decision of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.
The apex court held that the appeal that was filed before it by Senator Mark succeeded in part, even as it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order the Federal High Court made for service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party.
The apex court directed the factions to return to the trial court for the continuation of the hearing of the case.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) declared that it remains steadfast in its pursuit to govern Nigeria, and will not be threatened, distracted, or muted.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s spokesman, stated this in response to the Supreme Court verdict. In a statement he signed, Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.
“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.
“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.
“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”
Atiku Welcomes Judgement
Atiku welcomed the apex court’s decision, which upheld David Mark and the party’s leadership.
“Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency.
“The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country.
“This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future.
“We thank them, and we urge them to remain steadfast, because the struggle is far from over. As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he said.
Aminu Tambuwal’s Reaction
Also reacting via his X handle, former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal writes, “I welcome the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the matter concerning the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
“This ruling stands as a strong affirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law and the enduring strength of our democratic institutions.
“At a time when there are growing concerns about the integrity of political processes, today’s decision sends a clear and reassuring message that the judiciary remains a steadfast guardian of justice, fairness, and constitutional order.
“Importantly, this judgment has now put to rest all questions around the leadership of the party, affirming the legitimacy of the leadership under distinguished Senator David Mark and H.E. Rauf Aregbesola. This clarity is critical for stability, unity, and the continued growth of the party within Nigeria’s democratic space,” he stated.
“Democracy thrives not merely on elections but on the credibility of the institutions that interpret and uphold the law. The Supreme Court, through this judgement, has once again demonstrated its commitment to impartiality and its role as the final arbiter in disputes that shape our political landscape.
“I commend the Court for rising above all pressures and delivering a verdict that reinforces public confidence in our legal system. This is not just a victory for any political party or interest group; it is a victory for Nigeria, for democracy, and for every citizen who believes in the sanctity of due process.
“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to respect the judgement and continue to engage within the bounds of the law. Our collective responsibility is to strengthen democratic values, deepen institutional trust, and ensure that Nigeria’s political space remains governed by justice, equity, and the rule of law,” he said.
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