The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved its decision in an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark over the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A five-member panel of the court, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba, adjourned the matter for judgment after all parties presented and adopted their final written submissions.
Mark, who leads one faction of the party, is contesting an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, which directed all sides to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.
In his appeal, he argued that the appellate court overstepped its authority, maintaining that the matter concerns internal party issues that should not be subject to judicial intervention.
The case was initially brought by a group of aggrieved members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who are challenging the legitimacy of the leadership under Mark.
Other parties listed in the suit include the ADC, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is also seeking a court order to prevent INEC from recognising any faction other than his own until the case is resolved.
In response, the opposing parties urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.
The leadership tussle has already drawn regulatory attention, with INEC removing the names of the rival factions from its official records and withholding recognition of any group pending the court’s final ruling.