ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Supreme Court has restored the leadership of the African Democratic Congress under David Mark, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle over the control and structure of the party’s national executive.
The apex court delivered its judgment in a split decision, ruling in favour of the faction led by David Mark and setting aside earlier decisions that had challenged the legitimacy of his leadership.
In the lead judgment, the court held that the processes that produced the rival leadership faction were inconsistent with the party’s constitution and failed to comply with established legal procedures governing internal party administration.
The justices ruled that the lower courts erred in law by recognising actions and decisions taken in violation of subsisting party guidelines and court directives, thereby invalidating the claims of the opposing faction.
The Supreme Court further held that internal party disputes must be resolved within the framework of the party’s constitution and in line with the rule of law, emphasising that any deviation undermines institutional order.
According to the ruling, the faction opposing David Mark failed to establish credible legal grounds to justify its claim to leadership, leading the court to dismiss its arguments for lacking merit.
The apex court also criticised what it described as procedural irregularities and forum shopping by parties involved in the dispute, warning against the misuse of judicial processes in political contests.
In a dissenting opinion, a minority of the justices disagreed with the majority decision, arguing that certain procedural issues raised by the opposing faction required further consideration.
However, the majority judgment prevailed, effectively reinstating David Mark’s leadership and affirming the authority of his executive committee within the party.
The case originated from internal disagreements within the ADC over leadership succession, party structure, and the conduct of congresses, which led to multiple court actions at different levels of the judiciary.
At the trial stage, conflicting interpretations of party rules and leadership legitimacy resulted in rulings that created uncertainty over who controlled the party’s national structure.
The appellate court had earlier delivered a judgment that further complicated the dispute, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court for final determination.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s position on the sanctity of party constitutions and the need for political organisations to adhere strictly to their internal rules.
They also note that the judgment highlights the limits of judicial intervention in party affairs, particularly when internal mechanisms are ignored or bypassed.
The decision is expected to stabilise the ADC’s leadership structure and allow the party to refocus on its political activities ahead of future elections.
Observers believe the ruling could also influence how similar disputes are handled within other political parties, especially regarding compliance with internal regulations and court orders.
As reactions continue to emerge, the Supreme Court’s decision stands as a decisive resolution of the leadership crisis, reaffirming David Mark’s position at the helm of the ADC.
