Appeal Court Bans INEC from Recognizing ADC Congresses

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court judgment that restrains the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the congresses organized by the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The three-member panel dismissed the appeal filed by the Mark faction in a split decision, affirming the earlier judgment delivered on April 29 by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The court ruled that the caretaker leadership, appointed by David Mark, cannot interfere with the tenure and functions of the party's elected state executive committee. Justice Okon Abang, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the conduct of the state congresses organized by the Mark-led leadership was null and void, violating a previous court order issued on April 14.

The court awarded costs of 10 million naira against the ADC and emphasized the need for judicial intervention to prevent anarchy and ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria. The party's National Welfare Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, indicated plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.