The Supreme Court has fixed April 14 for the hearing of Mark’s appeal against Nafiu Bala’s suit, which questions Mark’s leadership position. Mark’s appeal is marked SC/CV/180/2026, and he is seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision that deemed his case as incompetent and unmeritorious.

On March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal ruled against Mark, a decision that has significant implications for the ADC’s internal dynamics. Following this ruling, on April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognize the factions of the ADC led by either Mark or Bala, further complicating the leadership crisis.

In response to INEC’s announcement, Mark filed a motion requesting the court to compel INEC to restore their names and recognize them as members of the party’s national working committee. This legal maneuver highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation as both factions vie for legitimacy.

The Supreme Court has also scheduled a hearing for April 22 in another related appeal filed by Mark regarding the leadership dispute in the ADC. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, granted accelerated hearing in this matter, indicating the court’s recognition of the case’s significance.

In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal concerning the appointment of counsel for Nestoil and Neconde, affirming that these entities remain valid legal entities with the right to engage counsel of their choice. This ruling may set a precedent for how legal disputes are handled within corporate governance and political party structures.

As the April 14 hearing approaches, the ADC’s leadership crisis continues to unfold, with both Mark and Bala preparing for what could be a pivotal moment for the party. The outcome of this appeal could determine the future of the ADC and its leadership structure, which has been under scrutiny since the initial suit was filed by Bala on September 2, 2025, to restrain INEC from recognizing Mark-led executives.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s decisions on the ADC’s internal politics and its recognition by INEC. The political landscape may shift dramatically depending on the court’s rulings in the coming weeks, particularly as the parties involved await the Supreme Court’s judgment.

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Prior to the convention, David Mark, the party’s leader, expelled Nafiu Bala and several others for purported anti-party activities. The exact reasons for this expulsion remain unclear, and details remain unconfirmed.

Senator Dino Melaye accused the ruling party of attempting to disrupt the ADC convention, highlighting the tense political atmosphere surrounding the event. Melaye stated, “We be di owners of dis place, we sign contract, we sign agreement and dem open di place,” emphasizing the ADC’s legal right to use the venue.

Despite the challenges, the ADC had signed a contract for the use of the Rainbow Events Centre and paid all required fees. Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the party, noted, “E no get any way we go deny dem bicos we dey collect revenue from am, you gatz pay and nobodi don write to us,” reinforcing the legitimacy of their venue arrangements.

Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the political pressure exerted on private venue owners. He remarked, “To force a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered opposition party di use of a venue no be governance, e no be politics, na di naked conduct of a regime wey don lose di argument.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will not recognize either David Mark or Nafiu Bala as chairman until court decisions are made regarding the leadership dispute within the ADC.

Bolaji Abdullahi, another prominent ADC member, expressed defiance against the political pressures, declaring, “We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant.”

Looking ahead, observers are keenly awaiting the outcomes of the court cases that will determine the leadership of the ADC. The political landscape within the party remains uncertain as it navigates these challenges.

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