The recent ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court restoring David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may seem like a major win for the opposition party. However, the judgment leaves the core leadership dispute unresolved, prolonging uncertainty within the party.
In its decision, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba nullified an earlier order of the Court of Appeal, which had directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum. The apex court held that the appellate court overstepped its jurisdiction by issuing such an order after dismissing the appeal before it.
Despite this, the Supreme Court did not deliver a final verdict on the substantive issue of leadership. Instead, it partially upheld Mark’s appeal and ordered that the case return to the trial court for continuation of hearing.
This means that while the Mark-led executive has been reinstated, its authority remains provisional, pending the outcome of the lower court proceedings.
The ruling does little to resolve the deeper crisis within the ADC, where factional divisions persist. The ongoing legal battle continues to cast doubt over the legitimacy of decisions taken by the current leadership, particularly if the trial court eventually rules against it.
At a crucial time in Nigeria’s political cycle, this instability threatens the party’s cohesion and strategic positioning.
Adding urgency to the situation is the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline of May 10 for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With limited time remaining, the ADC faces both logistical and legal hurdles. Any lingering dispute over its leadership could complicate compliance with INEC requirements and potentially undermine the credibility of its submission.
Credit: Vanguard
