The Supreme Court ruling on April 30, 2026 restored David Mark as the national chairman of the ADC. It also reinstated Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary after a split decision of 3-2. This decision comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the party.
The ruling dismissed an appeal from the PDP and annulled the Ibadan Convention that produced the Turaki-led NWC. The Supreme Court directed Mark to return to the Federal High Court for further hearings on issues arising from this leadership crisis.
INEC updated its website to reflect Mark’s leadership, but he cannot conduct congresses or primaries due to a recent Federal High Court ruling. This ruling voided recent congresses and restrained the ADC from organizing state congresses or national conventions.
The ADC faces several deadlines as it prepares for the upcoming elections:
Parties must submit their membership registers to INEC by May 10, 2026 . and Candidates’ names must be uploaded on the INEC portal by July 11, 2026 .
Dumebi Kachikwu commented on the ruling, stating that it displayed “biblical King Solomon’s wisdom” in avoiding destabilization. However, observers note that this ruling is a temporary legal reprieve amid ongoing challenges.
Mark’s leadership is recognized by INEC, but significant hurdles remain for the ADC as it seeks to participate effectively in the 2027 elections. The next steps involve appealing the Federal High Court ruling to regain full operational capabilities.