In a significant development for Nigeria’s political landscape, the Supreme Court on Thursday, has delivered a unanimous judgment regarding the protracted leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court set aside a previous Court of Appeal order, the effectively reinstating Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s leaders, at least until a full hearing at the Federal High Court.
The ruling marks a crucial turn in a crisis that has gripped the ADC since a major influx of political heavyweights in 2025.
These prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, had defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Their collective aim was to establish the ADC as a formidable coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The leadership tussle intensified following the resignation of the party’s former executives, led by Ralph Nwosu, and the subsequent emergence of a new National Working Committee under Senator David Mark on July 29, 2025.
This transition was challenged by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, who sought legal recognition as the party’s legitimate leader.
The dispute escalated to the point where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed Mark and Aregbesola’s names from its official portal on April 1, 2026, citing the need to comply with court orders.
This action left the ADC without recognized leadership during a critical period leading up to the 2027 elections,
prompting protests and accusations of bias against INEC from the Mark-led faction.
In its recent judgment, the Supreme Court criticized the Court of Appeal’s
“status quo ante bellum” order as “unnecessary, improper, unwarranted,” and directed that the substantive case be heard and determined by the Federal High Court.
By setting aside the appellate court’s order, the Supreme Court effectively restored the Markled executive, pending the final resolution of the case at the trial court.
Reactions to the Verdict: Prominent political figures have swiftly reacted to the Supreme Court’s decision:Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, welcomed the ruling as a firm affirmation of David Mark’s leadership and a victory for Nigerians. He emphasized ongoing struggle to “rescue” the country and urged “eternal vigilance”.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, lauded the judgment as a
strong affirmation of the rule of law and the judiciary’s steadfast role as a guardian of justice.
He commended the Court for resisting pressure and delivering a verdict that
reinforces public confidence in the legal system.Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC Spokesman, congratulated party members and leaders, affirming the legitimacy of Mark and Aregbesola’s leadership.
However, he also warned against
a “troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition
voices in Nigeria,” asserting that the ADC would not be intimidated or silenced in its mission to provide a credible alternative.
This Supreme Court decision, while providing temporary clarity, underscores the complex and often contentious nature of political leadership disputes in Nigeria.
The battle for the soul of the ADC will now return to the Federal High Court, where substantive issues of legitimacy and party control will be fully deliberated.
