WorldStage– The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a unanimous ruling on Thursday, 30 April 2026 set aside the “status quo ante bellum” order issued by the Court of Appeal in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court’s five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, described the appellate court’s directive as unnecessary, unwarranted, and improper.
The judgment effectively restores the David Mark-led executive, featuring former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The Supreme Court directed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the full hearing and final determination of the substantive suit.
The ruling overturns the basis upon which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal on 1 April 2026.
The crisis pits a faction led by David Mark against another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman.
On 12 March 2026, the Court of Appeal had ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the state of affairs before the suit began).
This led INEC to strip the Mark-led faction of recognition, citing legal uncertainty.
Mark’s faction challenged this order (Appeal No. SC/CV/180/2026), arguing the dispute was an internal party matter beyond judicial interference.
The ruling is seen as a critical step for the ADC to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as the party had warned that further legal delays could lead to its exclusion from the polls.
