The Supreme Court has fixed April 14 to hear an appeal filed by David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), challenging a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala over the party’s leadership.
In the appeal marked SC/CV/180/2026, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of the March 12 judgement of the court of appeal pending the determination of the case.
A hearing notice, according to NAN, was issued to parties on Friday by the litigation department of the apex court.
Meanwhile, Emeka Nwite, judge of the federal high court in Abuja, has also scheduled the same date to hear the suit filed by Bala against Mark’s leadership of the party.
With both matters slated for hearing on the same day, proceedings at the lower court may be adjourned in deference to the Supreme Court.
READ ALSO: #OccupyINEC: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, others Lead ADC Protest over INEC Decisions
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark asked the court to halt the enforcement of the appellate court’s judgement and restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the party’s leadership structure pending the outcome of the appeal.
He also urged the court to stay further proceedings in the suit before the federal high court.
Bala, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the party, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu, founder of the party, are listed as respondents in the appeal.
Background
The dispute dates back to September 2, 2025, when Bala approached the federal high court seeking an order to stop INEC from recognising the Mark-led leadership and to recognise him as acting national chairman.
Bala argued that he never resigned as national vice-chairman and should have assumed leadership following Nwosu’s exit.
READ ALSO:Nwosu: Nafiu Bala, ADC State Chairmen Attended Mark Leadership Unveiling
He subsequently declared himself national chairman and filed motions to halt party activities pending the resolution of the suit.
On September 4, 2025, the court directed the respondents to show cause why Bala’s application should not be granted.
Dissatisfied with an interim ruling, Mark challenged the jurisdiction of the federal high court, but on March 12, 2026, the court of appeal dismissed his appeal, describing it as incompetent and lacking merit.
The appellate court ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Following the ruling, INEC announced on April 1 that it would no longer recognise either faction of the ADC and would refrain from monitoring their activities.
READ ALSO: Nafiu Bala Confirms Attendance at ADC Unveiling, Rejects Claim of Consensus on Leadership
In response, the Mark-led faction filed a motion asking the court to compel INEC to restore its recognition of the party’s national working committee.
The application, filed on April 7 by Sulaiman Usman (SAN), also seeks accelerated hearing.
Mark has also filed a preliminary objection, arguing that Bala lacks the legal standing to institute the suit, claiming he had resigned his position and that the matter concerns internal party affairs not subject to judicial intervention.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
