ADC Prepares for Continued Legal Struggle as Supreme Court Reinstates David Mark Leadership

The ADC spokesperson welcomes the Supreme Court ruling reinstating David Mark as Chairman while preparing for a "long war" in the Federal High Court.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 7:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Channels Television

Strategic Victory Amidst Ongoing Leadership Dispute

The African Democratic Congress is navigating a complex judicial landscape following a significant ruling by the Supreme Court on Thursday. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, characterized the recent verdict as a successful "battle" within a much larger "war." While the party leadership is celebrating the legal win, Abdullahi emphasized that the organization remains cautious and focused on a long-term strategy. According to the spokesperson, the party has demonstrated its capacity to sustain a high-level legal challenge and is prepared for the "marathon" litigation required to secure its internal stability.

Supreme Court Vacates Status Quo Ante Bellum Order

The apex court’s intervention specifically set aside a previous Court of Appeal order that had mandated the maintenance of the status quo ante bellum within the ADC. This previous order had created a leadership vacuum that led the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition from the party's primary leadership organs. By vacating this order, the Supreme Court has cleared a major hurdle for the faction led by Senator David Mark. However, the justices also directed that the substantive proceedings be returned to the Federal High Court for a final determination on the leadership merits.

INEC Reinstates David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, INEC has moved swiftly to revise its official records. A review of the commission’s database on Friday confirmed that Senator David Mark has been reinstated as the National Chairman of the ADC. Furthermore, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been restored as the National Secretary. This update marks a significant reversal from March 2026, when INEC had announced it would no longer recognize correspondences from either the David Mark-led or Rafiu Bala factions pending court outcomes. The restoration of these principal figures provides the party with a recognized administrative head as it returns to the lower courts.