The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark in a deepening leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mark is challenging a suit instituted by a former deputy national chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control of the party’s national leadership structure.
In his appeal, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on March 12, pending the determination of his case at the apex court. Through his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, he also asked the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any changes to the party’s leadership as presently constituted under his faction.
Additionally, Mark is requesting an order to halt further proceedings in a related suit before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The appeal stems from a September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Nwite on an ex parte application filed by Bala, a prominent figure within the party.
The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to its national structure. The dispute has triggered a series of legal battles and administrative uncertainty over the party’s legitimate leadership.
Tensions escalated further after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman in its official records, prompting protests by his faction. The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, among other opposition leaders.
In response, the Bala-led faction also staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
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