ADC led by David Mark petitions the CJN over delay in Supreme Court ruling.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (https://thesun.ng/david-mark-led-adc-writes-cjn-over-delayed-supreme-court-judgment/) under the leadership of David Mark has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, requesting urgent intervention to facilitate the prompt release of a pending Supreme Court decision concerning the party’s internal leadership conflict.
In correspondence dated April 28, 2026, the group expressed concern that the continued delay in delivering the verdict could negatively impact the party’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 general elections, while also infringing on the democratic rights of its members.
The petition, submitted on behalf of the faction by former Senate President David Mark, seeks to overturn prior judgments delivered by both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, which addressed disputes surrounding the party’s leadership arrangement.
According to the group, the apex court had already concluded hearings on the matter and reserved its judgment, with a date yet to be announced. However, the faction stressed that any prolonged postponement in issuing the ruling could result in far-reaching political implications.
The letter noted that the case was heard on April 22, 2026, and commended the court for handling proceedings swiftly up to that point. Nonetheless, it emphasized the urgency of concluding the process by delivering the final judgment without further delay.
The faction warned that the absence of a definitive resolution regarding the party’s leadership could hinder its ability to comply with the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the upcoming 2027 elections.
It further highlighted that failure to meet electoral requirements due to unresolved internal disputes might lead to the party being excluded from participating in the elections altogether, despite its status as a legally recognized political organization.
The letter stressed that if the judgment is not delivered within a very short timeframe, the consequences could be severe and irreversible. Such a scenario, it argued, would deny party supporters the opportunity to engage in the democratic process and weaken political inclusion.
Additionally, the group maintained that the uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership structure continues to create instability, making it difficult to coordinate activities, mobilize members, and prepare adequately for future electoral contests.
The ongoing crisis within the party has persisted for several months, with multiple factions claiming authority over its leadership and organizational framework. This has led to a series of legal confrontations, further complicating efforts to reach a resolution.
The faction reiterated that a timely decision from the Supreme Court is essential not only to restore order within the party but also to safeguard the democratic rights of its members and supporters.
Ultimately, the appeal underscores the importance of judicial efficiency in politically sensitive cases, particularly those with significant implications for electoral participation and democratic representation.