ADC Leadership crisis deepens as David Mark faction urges supreme court for urgent ruling

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to fast-track a Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s lingering leadership dispute.

The request, filed under case number SC/CV/180/2026, stems from a protracted legal tussle triggered by a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling, which directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante bellum. Dissatisfied with that decision, the Mark-led faction approached the Supreme Court, contending that the appellate court exceeded its authority by вмеш interfering in what it described as the internal affairs of the party.

The controversy originated when a rival factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, instituted a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the leadership takeover by the Mark group. Although the Supreme Court heard arguments on April 22 and reserved judgment, the absence of a clear and recognized leadership structure has intensified concerns within the party.

In a letter dated April 28, 2026, legal counsel to the Mark faction, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, urged the Chief Justice to treat the matter with urgency, warning that the party is racing against a critical deadline.

At the heart of the urgency is the approaching 2027 general elections. According to the letter, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has effectively withdrawn recognition of the ADC’s current leadership based on the lower court ruling. This has left the party without valid representation, undermining its ability to fulfill key legal and administrative requirements necessary to participate in the elections.

The faction cautioned that if the Supreme Court does not deliver its judgment within days, the ADC risks being excluded entirely from the electoral process—an outcome it argues would not only damage the party’s prospects but also disenfranchise millions of Nigerians aligned with its platform.

While acknowledging the heavy caseload of the apex court, the group insists that the situation demands immediate attention, emphasizing that any further delay could amount to a denial of justice for the party and its supporters nationwide.