The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday reserved judgment in an appeal filed by David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), challenging the jurisdiction of courts to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
A five-member panel led by Garba Mohammed fixed the judgment for a later date after hearing arguments from counsel representing all parties.
Arguing for Mark, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, maintained that the apex court had already settled the issue in a March 21, 2025, judgment, which held that courts lack jurisdiction over internal disputes of political parties. He urged the court to uphold the appeal and rule that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked the authority to hear the case involving the ADC leadership tussle.
However, counsel to the first respondent, Nafiu Bala, Robert Emukpero, SAN, asked the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the earlier ruling that described Mark’s case as premature.
The dispute stems from an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Mark’s appeal against the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The appellate court held that the appeal was filed without the required leave and ordered that the substantive case be returned to the trial court for accelerated hearing, directing all parties to maintain the status quo.
Following that order, the electoral body withdrew recognition of the ADC leadership under Mark pending the outcome of the case.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Mark approached the Supreme Court to challenge both the appellate court’s decision and the directive to maintain the status quo.
After taking arguments from all sides, Justice Mohammed announced that judgment has been reserved and will be delivered on a date to be communicated to the parties.
