Supreme Court Restores David Mark As ADC Chairman
The Supreme Court has ordered the restoration of the David Mark-led executive of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, pending the determination of the matter at the trial court.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, ruled that the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by issuing orders after dismissing the appeal before it.
The judgement effectively reverses the delisting of the David Mark-led ADC executive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court refused to uphold the preliminary objections by Nafiu Bala Gombe’s lawyers.
In its judgment pronounced today Thursday, the apex court held that the decision of the Appeal Court on status quo ante bellum was improper and unwarranted, it therefore sets aside the judgement and upholds the appeal by Senator David Mark and the National Executive Committee NEC of the party.
According to the court, the suit should head back to the trial court for determination.
The Supreme Court’s decision was unanimous.
It held that the order to maintain status quo by the Court of Appeal is set aside.
However, the court only allowed part of Mark’s appeal and directed all parties to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set May 10 as the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
