Monday, July 13, 2026

Lawyers seek swift ruling in ADC leadership dispute

The firm warned that delays could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

• April 28, 2026
African Democratic Party (ADC)
African Democratic Party (ADC)

A law firm, S.E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., led by Shaibu Aruwa, has called for a timely judgment in a pending Supreme Court case involving former Senate President David Mark and others.

The firm warned that delays could affect the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s participation in the 2027 general elections. 

In a letter dated April 28, 2026, and acknowledged by the office of the Chief Justice, the lawyers said they represent the ADC as the second respondent in the appeal marked SC/CV/180/2026.

The case, titled Senator David Mark v. Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & 4 Ors, was heard on April 22, with judgment reserved to a later date.

The firm urged the court to expedite its decision, citing what it described as “impending irreparable harm” to the constitutional rights of the ADC and its supporters if the matter is not resolved promptly.

According to the letter, actions allegedly taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), based on a lower court judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 have led to the de-recognition of the party’s leadership, leaving the ADC without a functioning leadership structure.

“Your Lordship would find attached copies of the INEC Press Release de-recognising the leadership of ADC and the Revised INEC Timetable for the 2027 General Elections.

“My Lord, the ADC’s ability to comply with these statutory requirements to participate in the 2027 general elections is wholly dependent on the timely delivery of the judgment in the instant Appeal. Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter,” the letter read.

The firm further stated that failure to deliver judgment within three days of the letter could expose the party to the risk of exclusion from the elections, potentially disenfranchising millions of its supporters.

“My Lord, we are mindful of the enormous responsibilities and workload of this honourable court. We are equally aware that justice delayed, in this peculiar circumstance, would amount to justice denied. The entire political future of our client and the legitimate expectations of its members nationwide now hang in the balance,” the firm said.

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