In a landmark ruling that has cleared the path for stability and progress, the Supreme Court has delivered a decisive victory for the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has swiftly complied by restoring both Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to their positions on its official portal.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, vacated the Court of Appeal’s controversial status quo order, describing it as “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper” and issued beyond jurisdiction. The judgment in SC/CV/180/2026 has not only strengthened the Mark-led Caretaker Committee but has also opened a fresh chapter for the party. This development marks a clear call to action for all ADC members nationwide: the time for division is over. The moment for bold, united advancement has arrived.
A Moment to Seize With INEC’s prompt restoration of the national leadership, the legal cloud that hung over the party has lifted. The substantive suit remains pending at the Federal High Court for expeditious hearing, while yesterday’s Federal High Court judgment safeguarding State Executive Committees from any tampering continues to stand as a bulwark for order and due process.
This is not merely a legal win — it is a divine opportunity for the ADC to rise stronger, more united, and purpose-driven. The party must now channel this momentum into genuine reconciliation, internal discipline, and aggressive preparation for 2027.
Urgent Call to All ADC Leaders and Members
The Independent Legal Advisor, in an updated memorandum dated April 30, 2026, has issued a stirring charge to Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, all National Executive Committee (NEC) members, State Chairmen, and the entire membership: • Act Immediately and Decisively: Serve formal notice of the Supreme Court judgment across all structures and consolidate the restored INEC recognition. • Convene the NEC Without Delay: Utilise Article 13 to bring together all legitimate stakeholders in an urgent NEC meeting that prioritises healing and strategic direction. • Protect and Respect State Structures: Work in harmony with State Executives as protected by the Federal High Court, building from the grassroots upward. • Obey the Electoral Act: Ensure full compliance with Section 82, particularly the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC for any future congresses or conventions. • Suspend All Divisive Actions: Every leader and member must now prioritise broad reconciliation over personal or factional interests.
The memorandum makes a special appeal to Mr. Peter Obi to deploy his immense influence and goodwill towards unifying the party and mobilising State Chairmen for this critical NEC engagement.
The Road to 2027 Starts Today
This Supreme Court victory is more than relief — it is a rallying cry. The ADC must now rise above past acrimony and focus laser-like on: • Massive membership recruitment across all wards and local governments. • Rebuilding trust and confidence among Nigerians who yearn for a credible, people-centred alternative. • Strategic policy development that addresses the real challenges facing our nation. • Disciplined preparation for all upcoming elections with unity as our greatest weapon.
“Let us use this opportunity to unite the party, comply fully with the law, and rebuild strongly,” the Independent Legal Advisor urged. “The task before us is clear: transform this judicial relief into electoral victory in 2027.”
The Court has spoken. INEC has acted. Now it is your turn. The time for excuses is over.
- Written by Ogbuefi Ndigbo
