The Supreme Court has fixed April 22 for the hearing of an appeal linked to the ongoing leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a key step in the party’s prolonged internal dispute.
The appeal was filed by the party’s National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, who is challenging earlier judicial decisions relating to the crisis over the control of the party’s leadership structure.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, fixed the date on Tuesday after granting an accelerated hearing in the matter marked SC/CV/180/2026.
The case stems from a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Mark’s earlier appeal challenging a September 4, 2025 ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the lower court, Justice Emeka Nwite had refused to grant injunctive relief sought through an ex parte application filed by a party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the Supreme Court directed counsel to the appellant, Jibril Okutepa, to file and serve his brief within a shortened timeframe in line with the accelerated hearing schedule.
The court further ordered respondents to submit their briefs within three days of service, while allowing the appellant a one-day window to file a reply, if necessary.
The leadership dispute has triggered multiple court actions, with rival factions within the ADC laying claim to control of the party, particularly over the position of National Chairman, deepening internal divisions ahead of further legal determination.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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