Supreme Court Restores David Mark as ADC National Chairman

The Supreme Court handed former Senate President David Mark a significant win Thursday, restoring his position as national chairman of the African Democratic Congress. A five-member panel unanimously set aside a Court of Appeal order that had barred INEC from recognising his leadership — the same order that had led the electoral commission to suspend recognition of all ADC leadership factions.

What the Court Actually Decided

Justice Lawal Garba, who delivered the lead judgment, ruled that the Court of Appeal’s directive to parties to “maintain the status quo ante bellum” was unnecessary — the phrase itself an acknowledgment that proceedings before the trial court had already been concluded. That order, Garba held, was a preservative measure that had outlived its purpose.

The Supreme Court, however, did not fully resolve the ADC chairmanship dispute. It ordered the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear and determine all outstanding matters. So while Mark’s leadership is restored for now, the case continues at the trial level.

ADC’s Bigger Picture

The ADC has become one of the most politically watched parties in Nigeria ahead of 2027, with figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso all reportedly orbiting its platform as an opposition vehicle against Tinubu. Leadership instability — and the resulting INEC de-recognition of factions — had cast a shadow over those plans.

Mark’s restoration gives the party a legally recognised leadership structure again, at least temporarily. Whether the Federal High Court proceedings bring fresh complications is the next question.

Mark’s Return

For Mark himself, the ruling is a personal win. The two-time Senate President had seen his chairmanship challenged by rival factions seeking to use the courts to displace him. Thursday’s ruling keeps him in the chair — for now. The ADC’s internal battles are far from over, but the apex court has at least given the party a clearer legal footing than it had 24 hours ago.

Sources: Premium Times, Vanguard, Business Post