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S’Court Fixes Tomorrow on ADC Leadership Dispute
The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30, for judgment in the leadership dispute rocking the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court had reserved judgement in the case, prompting the opposition party to petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) that time was not on its side.
However, on Wednesday, the apex court announced that the judgement would be delivered by 2pm, on Thursday.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, fixed the matter for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.
Mark, who leads a faction of the party, is challenging the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute.
In his appeal, the former Senate President argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction and insisted that the crisis bordered on internal party affairs, which courts lack powers to adjudicate.
The suit was initiated by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership of the party.
Other respondents in the appeal include the ADC, its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction, pending the determination of the appeal.
However, the respondents urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal, maintaining that the lower court was properly seized of the matter.
Details later…
