Supreme Court Voids Appeal Court Order in ADC Leadership Crisis

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday delivered a landmark judgment in the leadership crisis rocking the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), nullifying an earlier directive issued by the Court of Appeal.

In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the apex court held that the appellate court acted outside its jurisdiction after it had already dismissed the appeal before it.

The court consequently set aside the order directing parties to maintain the status quo.

However, the Supreme Court did not declare any faction as the legitimate leadership of the party, instead directing all parties to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.

Mixed Reactions Trail Judgment

Reactions from political stakeholders indicate that while the ruling has boosted confidence within the party, it has not resolved the lingering leadership dispute.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Mansur Umar Kurugu, spokesperson II for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, described the judgment as a victory for the country’s judicial system.

“This gives us more confidence in our judicial system. It simply signals that no matter what, there are still institutions within this country which do not mortgage their integrity and their values,” he said.

Kurugu, however, criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging bias against opposition parties.

“We have seen what INEC has been doing, with their chairman, who is perceived to be an APC member, trying to deny the opposition a chance to contest,” he added.

On his part, former ADC presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, said the ruling did not favour any faction, stressing that neither side could claim victory.

“Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria displayed King Solomon’s wisdom in refusing to be used as a tool of destabilisation by the David Mark-led group when it directed both factions to return to the trial court,” he said.

Implications for 2027 Elections

Commenting on the development, Adnan Mukhtar, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant and ADC member, expressed optimism about the party’s future.

“It is a very good development for the country. The ADC is the only opposition political party that is serious about challenging Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Nigerians are jubilating,” he said.

Mukhtar added that the judgment provides an opportunity for the party to intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, including primaries and nomination processes.

Despite this, political analysts say the absence of a definitive ruling on the party’s leadership could slow down coalition talks, as potential allies may remain cautious about aligning with a divided platform.

Fresh Claims Emerge

Meanwhile, a key figure in the crisis, Nafi’u Bala, insisted he remains the authentic leader of the party, dismissing claims by the rival faction.

In an interview with DCL Hausa, Bala accused the camp linked to former Senate President David Mark of spreading propaganda.

“How does dismissing a case mean victory? I am the authentic ADC leader in Nigeria. I will fight this until we get our party back,” he said.

Several party leaders, including Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Atiku Abubakar, also reacted to the ruling with cautious optimism, noting that while it is a positive development, the legal battle over the party’s leadership is far from over.