The Supreme Court’s ruling restoring David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress looks like a win for his faction. A closer read shows the party’s crisis is far from over.
-What the court actually did-
In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal overreached by issuing orders after it had dismissed the appeal before it.
The apex court set aside those orders and allowed Mark’s appeal in part. But it did not rule on the core dispute: who legitimately leads the ADC. Instead, it sent all parties back to the Federal High Court to continue the case.
-Why it’s not a final victory-
That means Mark’s reinstatement as National Chairman is temporary. It stands only until the trial court decides the substantive leadership question.
The Supreme Court also dismissed Mark’s challenge to an earlier ex parte order on service of processes. So he won on procedure, not on the merits.
-The faction problem remains-
Multiple factions still claim control of the ADC. Ongoing litigation casts doubt on decisions taken by the current NWC. If the trial court later rules against Mark, actions taken now could be voided.
That uncertainty undermines party cohesion at a critical moment.
– INEC’s May 10 deadline –
The clock is ticking. INEC has set May 10 for parties to submit membership registers ahead of the 2027 elections.
With days left, the ADC faces legal and logistical risks. A disputed leadership could muddy the submission process. Parallel registers, conflicting lists, or challenges to the NWC’s authority could draw INEC sanctions or disqualify the party’s filing.
– Bottom line –
The Supreme Court ruling gives the Mark-led NWC breathing room, not a conclusive win. Until the trial court rules and the party unifies, the ADC remains exposed — trapped between court battles and an electoral deadline.
The faction may have won a procedural battle. The war over leadership and the party’s stability is still on.
_(Culled from Vanguard, extensively rewritten)_
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