The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the “status quo ante bellum” order previously applied to the African Democratic Congress, effectively restoring the leadership of the party led by former Senate President, David Mark.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court held that the order, which had been relied upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission to alter the party’s leadership structure, was invalid.
The dispute stems from a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership. The crisis had resulted in conflicting court decisions, creating uncertainty over which leadership should be officially recognised.
Earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja had entertained the matter, while a subsequent directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum led to the de-recognition of the Mark-led executive by INEC.
However, the Supreme Court’s latest ruling reverses that position, reinstating the Mark-led leadership as the recognised structure of the party, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
The court further directed that proceedings on the main case should continue at the Federal High Court.
The development is expected to have significant implications for the party’s internal stability and its positioning ahead of future elections, as the legal battle over its leadership remains unresolved.
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