ADC: S/court restores David Mark-led leadership

…returns parties back to trial court

By Vivian Okejeme

The Supreme court, Thursday, directed a former Senate President, David Mark to return to the federal high court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of the apex court, faulted the order of the court of appeal asked parties in the suit to maintain status quo.

The judgement read by Justice Mohammed Garba, held ‘Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.”

The court noted that the appeal filed by Mark succeeded in part, although it dismissed the aspect challenging an ex parte order issued by the Federal High Court for service of processes in the suit initiated by aggrieved party members.

Therefore, the supreme court directed all parties involved in the dispute to return to the trial court for the continuation of proceedings.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had intended for to remove David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as the ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, citing the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

INEC had also stated that it would not recognise any faction of the party pending the resolution of the legal dispute, in line with the now-vacated order maintaining the status quo.

The latest ruling is expected to reshape the internal leadership dynamics within the ADC as the case returns to the lower court for further hearing.