Supreme Court Set to Consider Appeal by Mark Faction in ADC Leadership Dispute with Nafiu Bala on Tuesday

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for April 14 to consider an appeal filed by David Mark, the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in his ongoing dispute with Nafiu Bala over the party's leadership.

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This appeal, which bears the case number SC/CV/180/2026, contests a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, a judgment that has sparked the current crisis within the party.

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Mark's appeal seeks a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal's judgment until his appeal is determined, and hearing notices have been issued to all parties through the Supreme Court's litigation department as of Friday.

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Through his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is also requesting that the Supreme Court restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the party's leadership structure, as currently constituted under his leadership, until the appeal is resolved.

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Furthermore, Mark has asked the court to halt proceedings in a related case, suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, which is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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The respondents in the appeal include Nafiu Bala, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as the party's national secretary, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.

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On the same day, April 14, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, is also set to hear a suit filed by Bala challenging Mark's leadership of the party.

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Given that both matters are scheduled for the same day, it is likely that the lower court may choose to adjourn or suspend its proceedings in deference to the Supreme Court, following the established hierarchy of courts.

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The case represents a pivotal moment in the ADC's internal crisis, as both factions seek judicial validation of their claims to the party's leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.