Supreme Court Overturns Appeal Court Ruling in ADC Leadership Crisis, Reinstates Party Executive

The Court of Appeal in Abuja’s judgment for status quo ante bellum in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute has been overturned by the Supreme Court.

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delisting of the David Mark-led executive was essentially reversed by the ruling.

The five-member panel of justices, chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, ruled unanimously on Thursday that the Court of Appeal’s order was superfluous.

The Supreme Court additionally ruled that the appeal on “jurisdiction” was filed in response to an ex parte order asking parties to present their case without first getting the appellate court’s approval.