Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally acknowledged the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark, following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court.
INEC’s action comes after the apex court nullified an earlier directive of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had ordered the maintenance of status quo ante bellum in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party. That appellate court order had previously informed INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Mark-led leadership.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction by issuing a preservative order on a matter still pending before a trial court.
Justice Mohammed Garba, who read the lead judgment, ruled that the appellate court had no basis to grant such an order after determining the interlocutory appeal brought by Mark. The appeal challenged the September 4 ruling of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.
The apex court subsequently directed all parties involved in the dispute to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit filed by an aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The suit challenges, among other issues, the emergence of the current ADC leadership.
Screenshot from INEC portal below:
Following the judgment, INEC updated its official records to reflect David Mark as the recognised leader of the party.
Reacting to the development, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed the outcome, stating:
“This development reaffirms the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and strengthens ADC’s position as a credible platform for democratic participation in Nigeria.”
The party reiterated its commitment to internal cohesion and democratic ideals, adding:
“ADC remains committed to unity, internal democracy, and delivering a people-driven alternative for all Nigerians.”
It concluded on a hopeful note: “Hope is alive. Democracy stands. Nigeria moves forward.”