Nigeria’s political landscape faces fresh uncertainty as the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday reserved judgment in the appeal over the lingering leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress.
The appeal, filed by the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, challenges earlier rulings by lower courts which ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
A five-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Garba Lawal, heard arguments from counsels representing the contending factions before announcing that a date for judgment would be communicated to all parties.
At the heart of the dispute is a battle for control of the party’s structure between the David Mark-led camp and another faction loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims to be the legitimate national chairman of the party.
Also joined in the suit are former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The crisis intensified after the Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s earlier appeal and ordered all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo ante bellum. .
Following the ruling, INEC reportedly removed the names of David Mark and Aregbesola from its official records, refusing to recognize either faction pending the final judicial pronouncement.
The leadership tussle has cast a shadow over the opposition coalition’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, especially after prominent political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi adopted the ADC as a possible coalition platform.
Political analysts say the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could determine whether the party stabilizes quickly enough to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission’s tight timetable for primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of 2027.
As of press time, tension remains high among party faithful and coalition stakeholders awaiting the apex court’s final verdict.
At Headlineswave.ng, we are committed to verified, accurate, and responsible journalism.
This report is based on available court proceedings and credible media sources as of the time of publication. Updates will be provided as more facts emerge.
