The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the state congresses held by the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a split two-to-one judgment, the appellate court affirmed an earlier order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Mark-led caretaker leadership of the party.
Justice Okon Abang who spearheaded the ruling was supported by Justice Donatus Okorowo upheld the April 29 ruling of the Federal High Court, which restrained the Mark-led leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of the party’s elected state executives.
In contrast, Justice Abba Mohammed, in a dissenting opinion, held that the dispute was an internal party affair beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
According to reports, the judgment is expected to have significant implications for the David Mark-led faction, including the nomination process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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