EXCLUSIVE: Supreme Court to rule on David Mark ADC leadership appeal Thursday

By Raphael Jackson –

The Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment on Thursday at 2pm in the appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark, over the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Western Post has gathered from reliable sources.

The development comes amid lingering uncertainty within the party, following a protracted legal battle between rival factions laying claim to the control of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mark’s appeal (SC/CV/180/2026) is challenging the March 12, 2026, Court of Appeal judgment which ordered a return to the status quo ante bellum in the party leadership dispute involving his faction and that led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

At the centre of the conflict is the control of the party structure, with both camps contesting legitimacy over the national leadership and decision-making authority within the ADC.

Earlier proceedings at the Supreme Court had ended with the panel reserving judgment, with the court stating that the date would be communicated to all parties. The uncertainty had deepened tensions within the party.

The crisis was further complicated after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly withdrew recognition from both factions, citing the ongoing court battles and lack of clear leadership authority.

In a related development on Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a separate but significant ruling affecting the same leadership tussle.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the caretaker leadership led by David Mark lacked legal authority to organise state congresses or set up committees for that purpose, also restraining INEC from recognising any congress conducted by the faction.