Nigeria’s political and judicial contradictions were once again laid bare as the Supreme Court overturned a controversial order that had frozen leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), restoring the camp loyal to David Mark.
In a unanimous ruling led by Mohammed Lawal Garba, the apex court faulted the Court of Appeal for issuing a “status quo” directive after already dismissing the case—an action it described as improper and beyond jurisdiction.
The judgment partly upheld Mark’s appeal and sent the matter back to trial court, prolonging a crisis that reflects deeper weaknesses in Nigeria’s party governance system.
The confusion had earlier prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist party leaders from its portal, highlighting regulatory inconsistencies that often leave political parties in limbo.
While the ruling restores some clarity, it also exposes a troubling pattern: institutions meant to stabilise democracy frequently deepen uncertainty.
With factions still battling in court, the ADC crisis underscores how Nigeria’s legal and electoral frameworks continue to struggle with internal party disputes—often at the expense of political credibility.
