Legal tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are expected to intensify on Tuesday, March 14, as the Supreme Court hears an appeal involving former Senate President David Mark.
Mark is seeking an order staying the execution of the 12 March judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affected the current structure of the party’s national leadership.
The notice, issued through the Supreme Court’s Litigation Department, was sighted on Sunday in Abuja, confirming the date for the proceedings.
The hearing is expected to coincide with proceedings earlier fixed at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Emeka Nwite, who is handling a related case.
Mark is asking the Supreme Court to halt the implementation of the Appeal Court’s decision pending the determination of his appeal.
He is also seeking an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any leadership other than the current ADC national officers aligned with him.
In the motion filed through his counsel, he further requested that the court maintain the status quo and stop any actions that could alter the party’s existing leadership structure.
The appeal stems from a ruling delivered by the Court of Appeal on 12 March, which has triggered ongoing legal and political disputes within the party.
Meanwhile, the respondents in the case include Nafiu-Bala Gombe, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.
The leadership tussle has also led to conflicting claims over control of the party’s national structure, with both sides maintaining opposing positions.
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to be a key turning point in the ongoing legal battle over the control of the ADC’s national leadership.
