ADC Crisis: Court Set To Hear Mark’s Appeal Against Nafiu Bala

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to take a decisive turn as the Supreme Court prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark, against a suit instituted by party chieftain, Nafiu Bala.

The apex court is expected to consider the appeal on Tuesday, as both factions continue to battle for control of the party’s national leadership.

In the appeal, Mark is asking the court to grant an order staying the execution of the Court of Appeal’s ruling delivered on March 12.

The appeal, which was filed by his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, prayed the court for an order staying execution of the appellate court’s judgment pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

Mark urged the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the party’s current national leadership structure, as constituted and represented by him, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

He also sought an order staying further proceedings in a suit before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Mark had appealed a September 4, 2025, ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over an ex parte application filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a chieftain of the party.

The ADC has been grappling with deepening factional divisions, with rival camps laying claim to the party’s leadership.

The crisis has led to conflicting court orders and growing uncertainty over who legitimately controls the party’s national structure.

The situation was further complicated when INEC reportedly delisted David Mark as the party’s national chairman in its official records.

This move sparked protests by the Mark-led National Working Committee, drawing the support of prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.

Meanwhile, a counter-protest was staged by the Bala-led faction, which is also seeking official recognition from INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.