The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman David Mark, who is challenging the jurisdiction of lower courts to hear disputes over the party's internal leadership. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Garba Mohammed, announced the decision after both parties adopted their final written arguments. Representing Mark, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) argued that the Supreme Court had already ruled on March 21, 2025, that no court has jurisdiction over political parties' internal affairs, and urged the court to uphold that precedent. On the other hand, Robert Emukpero (SAN), representing Nafiu Gombe, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the appellate court's decision that Mark's case was premature and filed without leave. The appellate court had previously dismissed Mark's appeal against Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who had entertained Gombe's suit challenging the ADC leadership. That court ruled the appeal premature and ordered the case returned to the trial court for expeditious hearing, directing that the status quo ante bellum be maintained. Following that order, INEC withdrew recognition of Mark's leadership pending resolution of the leadership dispute. Mark then appealed to the Supreme Court, not only against the appellate court's ruling but also seeking to lift the stay order on the status quo. The apex court, instead of ruling on the motions immediately, directed the parties to file their briefs. After hearing arguments, Justice Garba Mohammed announced that judgment was reserved to a date to be communicated later.
David Mark is arguing that courts should not interfere in ADC's internal affairs, even as he continues to seek judicial intervention to regain his position. The contradiction undermines his claim of respecting party autonomy. Nigerians who supported his leadership now face uncertainty, as INEC no longer recognises him pending the court's final decision. This legal back-and-forth offers no clarity for ADC members awaiting a resolution.
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