The case, already heard by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, centers on a leadership crisis within the ADC following the resignation of its former chairman, Ralph Nwosu. Two factions emerged: one led by David Mark and another by Nafiu Bala, each claiming control of the party.....…
Lower courts issued conflicting rulings, with the ... Court of Appeal eventually ordering both sides to maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.
Falana supported INEC’s stance by referencing the 2007 Supreme Court case of Attorney-General of the Federation v Atiku Abubakar, where the court criticized both INEC and the police for appearing politically biased.
The judgment emphasized that institutions like INEC must avoid any action that could suggest partiality. By staying out of the ADC dispute, INEC aims to protect its credibility as an impartial electoral umpire. However, this neutrality has practical consequences: the commission has refused to recognize either faction or oversee party activities until a final judgment is delivered.
This leaves the ADC without officially recognized leadership, potentially affecting its preparedness for future elections, including those in 2027…....…
