Supreme Court Restores David Mark-Led ADC Executive

The Supreme Court has nullified the order of the Court of Appeal directing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain status quo ante bellum in its ongoing leadership dispute.

The judgment effectively restores the David Mark-led executive, reversing its earlier delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction after it had already dismissed the case before it. The apex court said the order was unnecessary and improper.

The court ruled that the appeal filed by Senator David Mark succeeded in part but dismissed the challenge to an ex parte order of the Federal High Court that allowed substituted service in the case.

It also ordered all disputing factions within the ADC to return to the trial court for continuation of the substantive hearing of the matter.