By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Supreme Court has affirmed former Senate President David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing a major legal victory in the party’s protracted leadership crisis.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court set aside the earlier “status quo ante” order issued by the Court of Appeal, effectively restoring the leadership structure headed by Mark.
The ruling followed an appeal filed by Mark, who had challenged the appellate court’s directive that sought to maintain an earlier leadership arrangement amid a dispute within the party.
The Supreme Court held that the Appeal Court’s order lacked merit, thereby clearing the way for the recognition of the Mark-led executive as the legitimate leadership of the ADC.
The leadership tussle had pitched Mark’s faction against a rival group led by party chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe, with both sides laying claim to the party’s national structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The crisis had earlier led to the de-recognition of some party officials by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns about the party’s readiness for upcoming electoral activities.
Thursday’s verdict is expected to stabilise the party’s leadership and provide clarity on its organisational structure as political alignments intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
Political observers say the ruling could significantly impact opposition coalition efforts, as the ADC has emerged as a key platform in ongoing realignments among political actors.
