- The Supreme Court of Nigeria fixed April 22, 2026, for hearing an appeal filed by David Mark over the leadership tussle in the African Democratic Congress
- The case stemmed from earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Emeka Nwite, involving claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe
- The apex court ordered accelerated filing timelines, directing counsel Jibril Okutepa and other parties to exchange briefs quickly as it sought to resolve the party’s leadership crisis
The Supreme Court has fixed April 22, 2026, for the hearing of an appeal arising from the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a key development in the protracted legal battle over control of the party.
The appeal was filed by the party’s National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, who is challenging earlier court rulings on the internal crisis. The case, registered as SC/CV/180/2026, was slated for accelerated hearing by a five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Garba.
At Tuesday’s sitting, the Supreme Court granted the request for expedited proceedings, reflecting the urgency attached to the matter given its implications for the party’s leadership structure and political stability.
The appeal stems from a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Mark’s earlier challenge to a September 4, 2025, ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The lower court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had declined to grant injunctive relief sought in an ex parte application filed by a party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The legal dispute has continued to generate multiple filings across different courts, with rival factions laying claim to the leadership of the ADC, particularly the office of National Chairman.
During proceedings, the apex court issued strict timelines for the exchange of legal documents. It directed counsel to the appellant, Jibril Okutepa, to file and serve the appellant’s brief within a short timeframe consistent with the accelerated hearing order.
The court further ordered the respondents to submit their briefs within three days of service, while allowing the appellant one day to file a reply, if necessary, after receiving the respondents’ submissions.
The leadership tussle has become a significant internal challenge for the ADC, raising concerns over party cohesion and organisational stability ahead of future political activities and elections.
Observers note that the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for the structure of the party and the legitimacy of its current leadership arrangement.
As the case returns to the apex court on April 22, attention will focus on whether the judiciary will finally bring resolution to the long-running dispute or further legal complexities will emerge from the proceedings.
ADC crisis deepens as Bala confirms presence at leadership meeting
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, as factional national chairman Nafiu Bala confirmed that he was present at the meeting where an interim leadership led by former Senate President David Mark was installed in July 2025.
The development marks a significant moment in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, which has since split the ADC into two factions—one aligned with Mark and the other led by Bala.