The Supreme Court has overturned the earlier order issued by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that called for a return to the previous state of affairs in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress ADC.
The highest court has now effectively voided the Court of Appeal’s March 12, 2026 order which directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante bellum, marking a decisive shift in the legal battle over the party’s leadership.
With this latest judgement, the apex court has reinstated the executive committee led by David Mark, reversing the consequences of actions that had led to its removal from recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. The ruling provides clarity on the leadership question and strengthens the authority of Mark and his team within the party.
The decision was delivered on Thursday by a five member panel of Supreme Court justices headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba. In a unanimous verdict, the panel held that the order issued by the Court of Appeal was unnecessary and should not have been granted in the first place.
The Supreme Court also addressed the procedural issue surrounding the appeal, explaining that the matter of jurisdiction had been raised improperly. The justices noted that the appeal stemmed from an ex parte order that only invited parties to appear and show cause. They emphasized that such an appeal could not validly proceed without first obtaining the required leave of the appellate court.
This ruling not only nullifies the earlier directive but also reinforces the importance of proper legal procedure in resolving disputes, bringing a major resolution to the ADC leadership crisis.
