The Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled on April 30, 2026, restoring the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark. This decision overturned a previous order from the Court of Appeal that had significant implications for the party’s recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The conflict began when Nafiu Bala Gombe sought a court order to prevent INEC from recognizing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the ADC. The Court of Appeal had initially directed that the status quo ante bellum be maintained, which resulted in INEC derecognizing Mark’s leadership.
Justice Mohammed Garba delivered the unanimous judgment from a five-member panel. The Supreme Court ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked authority to issue a preservative order while the case was still pending before the trial court. The ruling directed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an expeditious hearing.
The ADC’s national spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed the verdict, describing it as a clear affirmation of the party’s legitimacy. He stated, “We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.”
Legal expert Jubrin Okutekpa noted that INEC’s prior actions to remove David Mark and his executive committee have now been invalidated. He remarked, “Di basis upon which Inec bin act to remove di name of Senator (David) Mark and im exco don dey removed…” This ruling is expected to have far-reaching effects on the upcoming 2027 general elections.
As political dynamics shift within Nigeria, this ruling reinstates stability in ADC leadership ahead of critical electoral contests. Officials have yet to confirm how this will influence party strategies moving forward.