ABUJA: The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified an earlier directive that required the African Democratic Congress to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the midst of its lingering leadership crisis, effectively restoring the leadership structure aligned with former Senate President David Mark.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the apex court ruled that the Court of Appeal of Nigeria exceeded its jurisdiction when it issued an order maintaining the status quo after it had already dismissed the appeal before it.
The Supreme Court held that such an order was procedurally flawed and legally untenable. Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper,” the court declared.
The ruling followed an appeal lodged by Senator David Mark, which the court said succeeded in part. However, the apex court dismissed the segment of the appeal that challenged an ex parte order earlier issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria concerning the service of court processes in the suit initiated by aggrieved members of the party.
While resolving the legal dispute at the appellate level, the Supreme Court directed all parties involved in the factional crisis to return to the Federal High Court for the continuation and determination of the substantive suit.
The leadership tussle within the ADC had earlier drawn the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which on April 1 removed the names of David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.
INEC based its action on the judgment of the Court of Appeal and stated that, in compliance with the directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, it would refrain from recognising any faction of the party pending the final resolution of the legal dispute.
With the Supreme Court’s latest ruling, the legal landscape surrounding the ADC leadership crisis has shifted significantly. The nullification of the status quo order effectively weakens the basis upon which INEC withheld recognition of party officials.
Political observers say the judgment could pave the way for the restoration of the Mark-led leadership structure in official records, pending the outcome of the substantive case at the trial court.
The decision is also expected to influence internal party dynamics as stakeholders reposition ahead of future political contests, including preparations linked to Nigeria’s evolving political alignments.
