Supreme Court Takes Action on ADC Leadership Crisis with Tuesday Hearing
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has officially scheduled a crucial hearing for Tuesday, April 14, to address the escalating leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The appeal was filed by former Senate President David Mark, who currently serves as the embattled factional national chairman of the opposition party, against the Nafiu Bala-led faction that also claims legitimate leadership.
David Mark's Legal Requests to the Apex Court
In his appeal to the Supreme Court, David Mark has presented several critical requests aimed at maintaining the status quo within the ADC. The former Senate president is primarily asking the apex court to grant an order that would stay the execution of the Court of Appeal's judgment delivered on March 12, 2025. This legal maneuver seeks to prevent the implementation of the appellate court's ruling until the Supreme Court can fully hear and determine the matter.
Realwan Okpanachi, counsel representing the embattled ADC national chairman, formally urged the Supreme Court to grant this stay of execution order. The legal team argues that such action is necessary to preserve the current situation until the appeal receives proper judicial consideration and final determination.
Additional Injunctions Sought Against INEC and Federal High Court
Beyond the stay of execution request, David Mark has asked the Supreme Court for two additional injunctions that could significantly impact the ongoing leadership dispute. According to reports from Channels TV, Mark is seeking to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the current national leadership structure of the ADC. This structure was constituted and is currently represented by Mark himself, and he wants it preserved until the Supreme Court resolves the matter.
The former Senate president has also requested that the Supreme Court grant an order to stay further proceedings in the suit currently before Justice Nwita of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This legal action stems from Mark's appeal of a ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court regarding an ex parte application originally filed by the Nafiu Bala faction on September 4, 2025.
The Deepening ADC Leadership Crisis
The African Democratic Congress has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis with two distinct factions claiming legitimate control over the party's national structure. This internal conflict has resulted in multiple court orders and created significant administrative uncertainty about which group rightfully leads the opposition party.
The situation became particularly complicated when INEC officially derecognized David Mark as the national chairman of the ADC in its official records. This move by the electoral body prompted strong criticism from party leaders, who organized protests and accused both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating INEC's decision to derecognize the Mark faction.
Notably, the Mark-led national working committee protest attracted prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with former governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. However, the Bala-led faction organized counter-protests, demanding that INEC recognize their group as the authentic leadership of the ADC.
Recent Political Developments Amid the Crisis
Amid this ongoing leadership turmoil, former PDP presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen recently joined the ADC, becoming the latest political heavyweight to align with the coalition party. His defection was announced in a statement released by his media office on Sunday, April 12, adding another layer of complexity to the party's internal dynamics during this period of uncertainty.
Both INEC and the presidency have firmly denied allegations of political interference in the ADC's internal affairs. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing represents a critical juncture in resolving this protracted leadership dispute that has divided one of Nigeria's opposition parties and created significant political uncertainty ahead of future electoral cycles.
