Supreme Court Restores David Mark as ADC Chairman

On April 1, 2027, the Supreme Court of Nigeria restored David Mark as the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), vacating an earlier order from the Court of Appeal that directed the party to maintain the status quo amid ongoing leadership disputes. The unanimous judgment was delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Moham Lawal Garba, which ruled that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had exceeded its jurisdiction by issuing an order that had already been dismissed.

The Supreme Court noted that while the appeal filed by Senator Mark succeeded in part, the aspect challenging the earlier ex parte order from the Federal High Court regarding service of court processes was dismissed. The ruling comes against the backdrop of actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had removed David Mark's name and that of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as national chairman and secretary of the ADC.

The Supreme Court's decision nullifies the previous order and is expected to significantly impact the leadership tussle within the ADC, prompting a review of INEC's position regarding the party's official recognition.