Nigeria: Supreme Court Set to Decide ADC Leadership Battle | SEE DATE

The deepening leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reached a critical turning point as Nigeria's apex court prepares to intervene in a high-stakes legal battle that could determine the future of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Supreme Court has fixed April 14 for the hearing of an appeal filed by former Senate President and factional national chairman of the party, David Mark, in his ongoing dispute with rival claimant, Nafiu Bala.

The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, challenges a ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, which has significantly influenced the current leadership tussle within the party.

According to court documents, Mark is seeking an order of the Supreme Court to stay the execution of the appellate court judgment pending the final determination of the appeal. His legal team, led by Realwan Okpanachi, is also pushing for a restraining order against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to prevent any alteration to the party's leadership structure as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, the appeal is asking the apex court to halt proceedings in a related suit - FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 - currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a bid to avoid conflicting judicial pronouncements.

The list of respondents in the case underscores the magnitude of the crisis, featuring key figures such as Nafiu Bala, the ADC as a corporate body, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (named as national secretary), INEC, and ADC chieftain Ralph Nwosu.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has also scheduled April 14 to hear Bala's suit challenging Mark's claim to the party's leadership.

The coincidence of both cases being fixed for the same day has raised legal concerns, with observers suggesting that the lower court may be compelled to adjourn or suspend proceedings in deference to the Supreme Court, in line with established judicial hierarchy.

Political analysts say the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing could have far-reaching implications for the ADC, particularly as the party positions itself within Nigeria's evolving political landscape ahead of 2027.

The crisis, which has polarized party stakeholders, is seen as a major test of internal democracy and institutional stability, with both factions seeking judicial legitimacy to consolidate control.

As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court, whose decision could either stabilize the party or deepen the internal divisions threatening its future.

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