Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Case as David Mark Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a politically sensitive dispute involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after arguments were heard on whether courts can interfere in the internal affairs of political parties.

The case centres on an appeal filed by ADC National Chairman David Mark, who is challenging earlier court decisions that allowed judicial intervention in the party’s leadership dispute.

A five-member panel led by Justice Garba Mohammed announced the decision after lawyers representing all parties presented and defended their legal arguments.

David Mark’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jibrin Okutepa, argued that the Supreme Court had already ruled in March 2025 that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters. On that basis, he urged the court to overturn the lower court’s decision and dismiss the case entirely.

In response, counsel to the first respondent, Nafiu Gombe, asked the apex court to uphold the earlier rulings. He argued that the case brought by Mark was premature and that the lower court acted within its powers when it dismissed the initial suit.

The dispute traces back to earlier decisions by both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal, which had dismissed aspects of the case while directing that proceedings return to the trial court. The appellate court also ordered that the status quo be maintained pending resolution of the matter.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later withdrew recognition of the ADC leadership linked to Mark, citing the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s internal crisis.

Dissatisfied with the appellate ruling and the order on status quo, Mark escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking final clarification on jurisdiction and party leadership recognition.

After hearing arguments, Justice Garba Mohammed announced that judgment has been reserved and will be delivered on a date to be communicated to the parties.

The ruling is expected to have wider implications for how Nigerian courts handle disputes within political parties, especially as internal leadership battles continue to shape party structures ahead of future elections.