The Supreme Court has scheduled April 22 to hear the appeal filed by the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The appeal, designated SC/CV/180/2026, challenges the Court of Appeal's March 12 judgment that dismissed the Mark faction's previous legal bid in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party. The ruling by the Court of Appeal had upheld the position of the rival faction, affirming its control over the party's affairs. David Mark, former Senate President, leads one of the contending groups claiming legitimacy as the rightful leadership of the ADC. The Supreme Court's decision to hear the case marks the latest development in a prolonged internal conflict that has divided the party since the dispute intensified. The apex court's ruling is expected to provide final clarity on which faction holds legitimate authority over the ADC's structures and nominations.
David Mark's return to the courtroom over ADC leadership reveals more than a party squabble—it exposes the enduring influence of political heavyweights in shaping minor parties. At 76, Mark is leveraging judicial channels to reclaim control, underscoring how personal authority often outweighs institutional processes in Nigerian politics.
The dispute traces back to conflicting interpretations of party primaries and internal elections, with the Court of Appeal already rejecting Mark's position on March 12. Yet the mere ability to escalate to the Supreme Court prolongs uncertainty, freezing the ADC's ability to function cohesively. This legal marathon benefits no voter, but it consolidates power among elites who can afford protracted litigation.
Ordinary ADC members and supporters in states like Ekiti and Ondo, where the party has a modest presence, face political paralysis. Without clear leadership, they lose access to ballot slots, campaign funding, and visibility—diminishing their influence in upcoming elections.
This mirrors a broader trend: Nigerian party politics remains less about ideology or grassroots engagement and more about control by established figures who treat parties as personal vehicles.
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