The Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark on Tuesday, April 14, in a legal battle over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mark, who is currently the embattled national chairman of the party, is seeking an order to stay the execution of a March 12 judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal.
According to court documents, the appeal filed under suit number SC/CV/180/2026 lists Nafiu-Bala Gombe, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ralph Nwosu as respondents.
Mark is asking the apex court to halt the enforcement of the appellate court’s ruling pending the determination of his appeal.
He is also seeking to restrain INEC from recognising any other individuals as national officers of the party.
The Supreme Court hearing coincides with a separate case scheduled before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
However, legal observers suggest the lower court may adjourn its proceedings in deference to the apex court.
Mark further requested that the Supreme Court halt ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court, pending the outcome of his appeal.
Through his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark argued that the Court of Appeal’s judgment which directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum is already being enforced in a manner that undermines his position.
He alleged that Gombe has written to INEC, urging the commission not to recognise him or other ADC national officers, effectively implementing the appellate ruling.
“Unless this application is granted, the judgment of the Court of Appeal will be enforced and the appeal rendered nugatory,” the lawyer argued, adding that the case raises substantial legal questions.
The dispute intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal on April 1, in compliance with the appellate court’s ruling.
In response, Mark filed a separate motion at the Federal High Court seeking an order compelling INEC to restore their names and recognise the existing leadership structure of the party.
The legal tussle stems from a suit filed by Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the ADC, who challenged the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders.
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Gombe argued that their appointments violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, and sought a court order restraining them from parading themselves as national chairman and secretary.
While the Federal High Court initially declined to grant interim reliefs sought by Gombe, the matter escalated to the Court of Appeal, which directed parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo pending determination of the case.
With multiple legal actions now converging, Tuesday’s hearing at the Supreme Court is expected to play a decisive role in determining the leadership structure of the ADC and clarifying the legal standing of all parties involved.
