Mark-led ADC writes CJN, seeks urgent Supreme Court judgment over leadership crisis

The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), calling for the timely delivery of the Supreme Court judgment in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, stems from a protracted tussle over the control of the ADC, with Senator David Mark challenging earlier rulings that favoured a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala.

Last week, the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the case following arguments presented by parties involved in the dispute.

Mark is contesting the March 12 decision of the Court of Appeal, which upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the internal party conflict.

In the suit at the Federal High Court, Bala had challenged the takeover of the party by the Mark-led faction, claiming legitimacy as the national chairman of a rival group.

‘Risk of exclusion from 2027 elections’

In a letter dated April 28, 2026, signed by the faction’s counsel, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the ADC faction urged the apex court to expedite judgment, warning of possible exclusion from the 2027 general elections if the matter is delayed.

According to the letter, if judgment is not delivered within three days, the party risks being unable to comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for the 2027 elections.

“My Lord, this appeal was graciously heard expeditiously on the 22nd April, 2026 and judgment was thereafter reserved to a date to be communicated by the court,” the letter stated.

The faction further argued that recent actions by INEC, including alleged de-recognition of the party’s leadership, have left the ADC in a state of uncertainty ahead of key electoral deadlines.

It added that the situation could disenfranchise supporters of the party nationwide and undermine their constitutional rights to political participation.

The letter also referenced the INEC timetable for the 2027 general elections, noting that critical pre-election activities have already commenced.

“My Lord, we are mindful of the enormous responsibilities and workload of this Honourable Court… however, justice delayed in this peculiar circumstance would amount to justice denied,” the letter read.

The faction warned that the party’s political future and internal stability now depend on the timely intervention of the Supreme Court.

The ADC leadership crisis remains one of several internal disputes affecting opposition parties as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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