The Supreme Court of Nigeria has officially confirmed the leadership of former Senate President David Mark over the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court, in its final verdict, moved to dismiss the “status quo ante bellum” order that had previously crippled the party’s administrative operations.
By setting aside this restrictive order, the court has effectively cleared the legal hurdles that were placed in the way of the David Mark-led faction, solidifying their control over the party’s affairs.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by unilaterally issuing such an order after it had already dismissed a case that was brought before it by one of the factions.
The ruling comes as a massive relief to the Mark-led leadership, which has been embroiled in a bitter legal tussle with a rival faction.
The Supreme Court’s decision to void the “status quo” mandate means that all actions taken by the current leadership, including the conduct of party congresses and primary elections, now carry full legal weight.
This judgment brings an end to the ambiguity that has shadowed the party’s internal governance, especially following lower court rulings that had temporarily barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing congresses conducted by Mark’s committee.
More details to follow…