The faction of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark has formally written to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, urging the speedy delivery of judgment in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
The letter, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and dated April 28, 2026, warned that any delay could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
Background to the Dispute
The Supreme Court had last week reserved judgment in an appeal filed by Mark in suit number SC/CV/180/2026, challenging earlier rulings on the ADC leadership tussle.
Mark is contesting a decision of the Court of Appeal Nigeria delivered on March 12, which upheld a September 4, 2025 judgment of the Federal High Court.
The original suit was filed by Nafiu Bala, who is challenging the takeover of the party by the Mark-led faction.
Fear of Electoral Exclusion
In the letter signed by the party’s counsel, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the Mark faction expressed concern that failure to deliver judgment within three days could leave the party without recognised leadership.
According to the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission has already acted on the lower court ruling to de-recognise its leadership structure.
The letter warned that this situation places the party at “grave and irreversible risk” of being excluded from the 2027 elections.
Implications for Party Members
The faction argued that any delay in judgment would not only affect the party but also disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who intend to contest elections under its platform.
It stressed that compliance with INEC’s timetable for the 2027 polls is dependent on clarity over the party’s leadership.
Call for Urgency
While acknowledging the workload of the apex court, the party urged swift intervention, stating that in the current circumstances, delayed justice could amount to a denial of justice.
The leadership crisis within the ADC remains one of several internal party disputes with potential implications for the build-up to the next general election.
