The fate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is expected to be decided by the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to deliver judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.
The apex court will rule on three appeals, including one filed by David Mark, with the outcome set to determine which faction controls the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba had earlier reserved judgment after hearing arguments from all parties involved in the case.
The crisis deepened a day before the ruling, as a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified congresses conducted by committees set up by the Mark-led caretaker leadership of the party.
In her judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that only duly elected state executive committees have the authority to conduct state congresses, not an interim national leadership.
The court also affirmed that the tenure of existing state executives remains valid and restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the disputed congresses or their outcomes.
Additionally, the court barred the caretaker committee from taking actions that could undermine elected party structures, declaring its procedures inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
Reacting to the ruling, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the party would review the judgment, while stakeholders including Dumebi Kachikwu and Kingsley Ogga welcomed it as a victory for internal democracy.
With tensions still high, the Supreme Court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on the party’s leadership structure and shape its readiness for the upcoming electoral cycle.
