The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday reserved judgment in an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark over the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress.
A five-member panel led by Mohammed Garba fixed a date for judgment after all parties adopted their final written submissions.
Mark, who heads one faction of the party, is challenging a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.
In his appeal, Mark argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, insisting the matter concerns internal party affairs that courts are not empowered to adjudicate.
The case originated from a suit filed by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who are contesting the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.
Other respondents in the suit include the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership outside his faction pending the outcome of the appeal.
However, the respondents urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal, maintaining that the lower court acted within its powers.
The leadership crisis has already prompted regulatory action, with INEC removing the names of rival leaders from its portal and withholding recognition of any faction until the dispute is resolved.
