The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled Thursday, April 30, for the delivery of judgment in the protracted leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court had earlier reserved judgment in the matter, prompting concerns from the opposition party over delays, including a petition addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the court confirmed that judgment would be delivered at 2 p.m. on the scheduled date.
A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba had fixed the case for judgment after all parties adopted their final written submissions.
The dispute involves a faction led by David Mark, who is challenging an earlier ruling delivered on March 12 by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
In his appeal, Mark contends that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, arguing that the matter concerns internal party affairs beyond judicial intervention.
The case originated from a suit filed by aggrieved members of the party, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who are questioning the legitimacy of the leadership under Mark’s faction.
Other parties listed in the suit include the ADC, its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is also seeking a court order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership outside his faction pending the final determination of the appeal.
However, the respondents have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction in handling the dispute.
