The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken another dramatic turn after the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed an earlier Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the party. The ruling represents a significant legal setback for the faction and adds another layer of uncertainty to the ADC’s internal leadership battle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In its majority decision, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s verdict, declaring that the state congresses and the national convention organised under the David Mark-led caretaker committee were conducted in violation of an existing court order. The court ruled that actions taken while a valid restraining order was in force could not stand, making the congresses and convention legally invalid.
The judgment effectively prevents INEC from recognising or participating in any processes arising from those congresses, dealing a major blow to the Mark-led leadership’s efforts to consolidate control of the party. The appellate court maintained that respect for court orders is fundamental to the rule of law and warned that allowing political parties to disregard judicial directives would create disorder within Nigeria’s democratic system...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The ruling has intensified the leadership dispute within the ADC, a party that has recently attracted national attention following the involvement of several prominent opposition figures. While supporters of the David Mark-led faction insist that the legal battle is far from over, the judgment raises fresh questions about the legitimacy of decisions taken under the caretaker leadership and the future direction of the party.
Despite the setback, reports indicate that the ADC leadership plans to challenge the appellate court’s decision at the Supreme Court, arguing that the judgment does not invalidate the party’s political activities or its preparations for future elections. Party officials have urged members to remain calm while legal processes continue.
Political observers believe the latest court decision could have far-reaching implications for the opposition’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections. With legal disputes over party leadership still unresolved, the ADC faces mounting pressure to secure judicial clarity and restore internal stability before crucial electoral activities gather momentum.
As the legal battle moves toward the Supreme Court, the outcome is expected to shape not only the future leadership of the ADC but also the party’s role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the next general election.
