The Supreme Court has set aside an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal that directed parties in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
The appellate court, in a decision delivered by a three-member panel, had dismissed an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja, over the suit.
The court held that the appeal was premature and filed without the required leave, ordering the matter to return to the trial court for accelerated hearing, while maintaining the existing state of affairs.
Following that ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership of the ADC pending the final determination of the case.
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However, dissatisfied with the outcome, Mark approached the apex court to challenge both the appellate court’s decision and its directive preserving the status quo.
In its latest intervention, the Supreme Court nullified the Court of Appeal’s order, effectively removing the directive that had frozen the party’s leadership structure and clearing the way for further proceedings at the lower court.
The development marks a significant turn in the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC, with legal and political implications for the party’s internal stability.
