Breaking…Supreme Court restores David Mark-led ADC leadership

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has set aside an earlier order directing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain status quo ante bellum in its ongoing leadership crisis.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the apex court ruled that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal exceeded its jurisdiction by issuing the order.

The Supreme Court held that the appellate court acted improperly by granting the directive after it had already dismissed the case brought before it by one of the rival factions within the party.

According to the ruling, once the case was struck out, the Court of Appeal no longer had the authority to make consequential orders, including directing parties to maintain the status quo.

“Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper,” the Supreme Court held.

It held that the appeal that was filed before it by Senator David Mark succeeded in part, even as it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order the Federal High Court made for service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party.

The apex court directed the factions to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing of the case.

It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal and website as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on April 1, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

The electoral body said it would, in line with the order for maintenance of the status quo ante bellum, not recognise any of the warring factions until the legal dispute is determined.