Supreme Court Fixes Thursday for Judgment in ADC Leadership Crisis

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled Thursday, April 30, for judgment in the leadership dispute within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The apex court had earlier reserved judgment in the matter, prompting concerns from the party over delays in resolving the crisis. On Wednesday, the court confirmed that the ruling would be delivered by 2:00 PM on Thursday.

A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba fixed the date after all parties adopted their final written addresses.

The case was filed by a faction led by former Senate President David Mark, who is challenging the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal directing all parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute.

Mark argued that the appellate court exceeded its authority, insisting that the matter concerns internal party affairs, which he believes are outside the jurisdiction of the courts.

The suit originated from aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who questioned the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership structure.

Other parties involved in the case include the ADC, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.

Mark is also seeking an order preventing INEC from recognising any leadership faction apart from his own pending the final determination of the appeal.

Meanwhile, the respondents have asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that the lower court acted within its powers.