By Ayomide Otitoju
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear an appeal on Tuesday filed by former Senate President David Mark challenging an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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 appeal. In the application filed by his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, he also asked the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the party’s current national leadership structure as represented by him.
Additionally, the former Senate President requested an order halting further proceedings in a related suit before Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The appeal stems from a September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Nwite on an ex parte application filed by Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party.
The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to control of the party’s national structure. The dispute has triggered multiple court actions and heightened uncertainty over the party’s 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 was attended by 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.
A rival faction led by Bala also staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
