…INEC’s de-recognition of Mark leadership triggered by Appeal Court ruling
…Party, Atiku, Hayatu-Deen react as stakeholders urge vigilance ahead of 2027
By Aremu Sosanya
The Supreme Court has set aside the “status quo ante bellum” order earlier issued by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel, ruled that the appellate court erred in directing parties to maintain the status quo in a matter still pending before the Federal High Court.
The controversial order had formed the basis upon which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-recognised the leadership of the party led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
In the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Garba held that the Court of Appeal overstepped its bounds by issuing a preservative order after determining an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark against an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.
The Supreme Court subsequently directed all parties to return to the trial court for an expeditious hearing of the substantive suit filed by an aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the emergence of the current leadership.
While the apex court upheld Mark’s appeal in part, it dismissed his challenge to an ex parte order granted by the Federal High Court for service of court processes.
Backstory
The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed Mark’s appeal challenging the jurisdiction of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court to entertain the case.
It described the appeal as premature and filed without the leave of the trial court, before ordering parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the suit.
Following that directive, INEC withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership, pending judicial resolution of the dispute.
ADC Welcomes Judgment
Reacting to the ruling, the ADC described the Supreme Court’s decision as a significant victory for the rule of law and internal party democracy.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the judgment affirms the legitimacy of its leadership under Senator Mark and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
He commended the Supreme Court for what he termed a courageous and unanimous decision that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Despite the victory, Abdullahi cautioned that the party would remain vigilant, alleging attempts to undermine opposition voices.
“The ADC will not be intimidated, distracted or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative,” he said, urging members and supporters to stay focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hayatu-Deen: Verdict Reinforces Due Process
A presidential aspirant of the party, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, described the judgment as a reaffirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
He stressed that internal party mechanisms must be protected from external interference, noting that strong institutions are the bedrock of sustainable democracy.
According to him, the ruling underscores the need to preserve the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic space while focusing on broader national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and unemployment.
“The stability that this judgment brings must translate into a coherent strategy for national development and tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
Atiku: ‘Struggle Far From Over’
Also reacting, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said the judgment represents a milestone but warned against complacency.
In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Atiku described the ruling as a step forward in the opposition’s quest but emphasised that more work lies ahead.
“The road ahead remains long in our collective effort to rescue the country,” he said.
He dedicated the outcome to Nigerians, whom he described as resilient in the face of political and economic challenges, and called for sustained vigilance and unity.
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he added.
