Nigeria’s Supreme Court has rescheduled the hearing of a key appeal in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to 22nd April, as the dispute over the party’s control deepens ahead of the 2027 elections.
The case involves a challenge by a faction led by former Senate President David Mark against the leadership claims of Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The appeal seeks to overturn a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 12th March, which directed parties to maintain the status quo and triggered confusion over the party’s leadership structure.
Mark is asking the apex court to stop the enforcement of that ruling and restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any changes in the party’s leadership until the case is decided.
“Unless this application is granted, the judgment will be enforced and the appeal rendered nugatory,” his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, argued.
The crisis worsened after INEC removed the names of Mark and other party officials from its official portal, following the appellate court decision.
Both factions have since gone to court, each claiming legitimacy and seeking judicial backing.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that the legal battles at the Supreme Court and Federal High Court are closely linked.
“The information I have is that they are scheduled on the same day,” he said earlier about previous proceedings.
The dispute stems from disagreements over how the party’s leadership emerged, with opposing camps accusing each other of violating party rules and the Electoral Act.
