Supreme Court  Sets Date for Ruling on ADC Leadership Dispute

The Supreme Court has said it will deliver a ruling on the internal leadership crisis tearing through the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday, April 30.

The apex court had reserved judgment in the case, prompting the opposition party to petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), citing the political deadline and timetable given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, on Wednesday, the apex court announced that the judgment would be delivered by 2 pm on Thursday.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had fixed the matter for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.

A faction of the ADC led by the former Senate President, David Mark, is challenging the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the party’s dispute.

In his appeal, Mark argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction and insisted that the crisis bordered on internal party affairs, which courts lack the power to adjudicate.

The suit was initiated by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership of the party.

Other respondents in the appeal include the ADC, its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction, pending the determination of the appeal.

However, the respondents urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal, maintaining that the lower court was properly seized of the matter.